Local Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan has highlighted the ‘huge difficulties’ being faced in childcare provision.

She raised the matter with party leader and Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Dáil recently.

She said: “There are huge difficulties facing the area of child provision.

“Services are struggling with a range of difficulties being highlighted such as staff attrition, burn-out, compliance and regulations, while dealing with the impact of the many pay freezes and the introduction of the new childcare programme that may reduce their capacity to serve children in the long run,” she said.

Deputy McGreehan who has engaged with local childcare providers on this important issue has said services are at risk of losing their good reputations due to ongoing challenges.

“They are cutting costs and staff, and I often find when I deal with childcare services that they are afraid it is to the detriment of what they are there to do, which is to look after children to the best of their ability.

Responding to her concerns Taoiseach Micheál Martin said spending has increased enormously in this area, although he acknowledges smaller provider say they are suffering a bit.

He will ask the Minister to engage with her on this specific issue, and acknowledges the points made in relation some providers are saying they are making cuts to staff and costs.

 Concluding McGreehan said, “Childcare providers do such important work in our local communities, and we must support them in these challenging times.

“I look forward to my engagement with the Minister on this, and I thank the Taoiseach for his acknowledgement and support also.

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.

ENDS