Donegal childcare providers share concerns ahead of Budget 2019

Childcare providers from Donegal took the chance to highlight issues in their sector during a pre-Budget briefing with politicians organised by Early Childhood Ireland.

ECI is the representative body for 3,800 childcare providers nationwide. This month, they are calling for Budget 2019 to make  increased investment in the early years sector to address severe staffing challenges.

Childcare workers can earn more working in their local supermarket than in their local childcare service, claimed Frances Byrne, Director of Policy and Advocacy with Early Childhood Ireland.

Early Childhood Ireland is calling on Government to commit to increasing budget allocation for childcare by a minimum of €250 million – approximately 0.1% of GDP – every year over the next five years.

Donegal politicians in attendance at the pre-Budget briefing included Minister of State at the Department of Culture with responsibility for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh TD as well as Independent TD Thomas Pringle.

Dr. Katherine Zappone TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, also attended the event.

Frances Byrne said: “We were delighted with the turnout for our pre-Budget event.  We had several of our Donegal members hildcare services,” continued Frances Byrne.

“International research shows that the number one factor contributing to high standards in childcare provision is having well-trained and qualified staff – and having a pipeline of such staff consistently available.”

Byrne added: “Budget 2019 presents government with an opportunity to continue to address years of chronic under-investment.

“Early Childhood Ireland is calling on Government to commit to increasing budget allocation for childcare by a minimum of €250 million – approximately 0.1% of GDP – every year over the next five years.

“Following our pre-Budget event, we are looking forward to cross-party support for this proposal, including from TDs and Senators in Donegal.”