CUTS in staffing grants
for creche and playschool facilities will mean
cash-strapped Donegal parents will have to pay more
for childcare.
That's according to North West MEP Marian Harkin who
described the new measures as "unacceptable".
“I am calling on Minister Brendan Smith to listen to
the concerns of the childcare sector and review his
proposals which will make childcare unaffordable for
many parents," said Ms. Harkin.
"As a result of the severe cuts proposed in staffing
grants many centres could face closure with the
consequent waste of taxpayers' money and community
effort."
The Independent MEP said the Government had a duty
to assist the provision of quality, affordable and
accessible childcare.
"The new ‘value for money’ ethos of this Government
would be better directed to easily detectable areas
of waste instead of inventing new ways to pressure
the administration and operation of childcare
facilities.
“I call on the Minister, and on all political
representatives throughout the country, to act
immediately to prevent the implementation of the
proposed changes which will cause huge stress to the
vast majority of parents who do not qualify under
the new criteria introduced by the Minister," she
added. |
