Campaigners call on Government to reduce childcare costs | Breaking News & Latest Ireland Updates

Campaigners call on Government to reduce childcare costs — Childcare campaigners have called on the Government to urgently implement promises made to reduce childcare costs for families. The National Women's C...

Childcare campaigners have called on the Government to urgently implement promises made to reduce childcare costs for families.

The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWC) said there is no sign of action, 100 days into the new government.

Director of the NWC, Orla O'Connor said: "We know from all the calls to the Women's Council, that every day of no action, is another day of stress for parents."

She said women regularly contact them saying they do not know what to do at the end of their maternity leave, because they cannot secure a childcare place.

Ms O'Connor said it is a serious crisis for parents, children and communities across Ireland.

Childcare operator Brona Duff, from Creative Kids and Co said retention of staff is very difficult as wages are so low.

"People have gone and done their degrees and they're being offered €16.28 an hour," said Ms Duff.

She said others, with Level 5 qualifications have not been able to progress in ten years, and are on minimum wage.

Ms Duff is in favour of the public model and says staff deserve proper pay.

"It's a really tough job, it's not just making batman out of paper plates," she said.

"It's a tough job and they deserve to get recognition.

"It's about fixing a model that's broken, they're pumping in a lot of money and it's not working."

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