While more investment is welcome, Budget 2024 has not provided the radical rethink which was needed to bring Ireland in line with the best countries in the world for young children.
That’s according to Early Childhood Ireland, the leading organisation in the early years sector, in response to news of some new funding in the Budget 2024 statement.
Teresa Heeney, the Ballybofey-based CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said: “We are pleased to hear that there will be improvements in the National Childcare Scheme for disadvantaged children, alongside fee reductions for many families.
“Parents will be disappointed though not to see those further decreases until well into next year. It is also welcome that the vital area of Childminding will be brought into the National Childcare Scheme.
“We are also heartened to see that the Access and Inclusion Model will be extended beyond the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme hours. This has long been sought by Early Childhood Ireland and early years and school age care settings throughout Ireland.”
Also commenting, Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland said: “We await further details from the Minister about plans to increase core funding to support improved pay and conditions for the workforce, as well as sustainability for providers in Donegal.
“In our pre-Budget submission, Early Childhood Ireland had called on Government to publish a five-year plan for implementing additional investment in the sector, as well as unifying existing funding programmes, increasing graduate premiums and implementing better data recommendations from the Partnership from Public Good. Regrettably, no new target or plan has been announced, meaning continuing uncertainty for families and settings,” Ms. Byrne added.
“The proposal to develop an ‘Equal Participation Model’ which will be focused on disadvantaged families is positive. This is an important milestone, and we look forward to working closely with the Department of Children and other stakeholders to develop it further,” concluded Ms. Heeney.
