Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The childcare sector is in crisis. Although the Government has injected funding into the sector which, thankfully, has made childcare more affordable for parents, that has now created such a high demand that the services are not available to people because they cannot hire staff. Childcare facilities are now routinely turning away families and the waiting lists are getting bigger and bigger. Vacant positions are advertised for months without anyone applying for them. The sustainability of the sector is at risk as childcare professionals, who are highly trained, are not being paid a rate that reflects their education and skills. Childcare facilities cannot meet the increasing costs of business and also pay the rate their staff deserve. There is a significant issue here. The Government has provided extra funding and created extra places to meet the demand, but the childcare facilities cannot meet it. Many of them are struggling. The situation is the same all over the country and the providers are contacting all TDs. We need swift action to be taken to support these excellent, long-standing facilities.

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