Dáil debates

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Covid-19 (Childcare): Statements

 

1:40 pm

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The maintenance of staff and of childcare professionals in employment is an absolute key priority for me. I was aware in January that creeping numbers of staff were claiming the PUP. Therefore, one of the conditions we have put in place with the enhanced funding measures, which will come in from 5 February, is the maintenance of staff on the payroll. That was certainly a key demand of SIPTU in our engagement with it on the childcare advisory council. That condition has been put into the new contract. To be able to avail of the remaining 30% of the early childhood care and education, ECCE, payments and the Covid-19 operating support payment, childcare providers must sign up to the new contract, which includes the maintenance of staff. That measure is in place.

The policy and law around the EWSS is a matter for the Department of Finance. I am doing what I can within my Department, however, and doing it quickly to make sure we can maintain staff in employment because of the disadvantages that occur if they end up losing their position, as the Deputy has outlined, even if it is for a short period of time.

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