Creche owners say they are “gearing up to close the country down” by closing creches indefinitely until the Government meets their demands in an ongoing row over funding the sector amid rising business costs.
It comes as new figures show 151 creches withdrew from a government funding scheme over three years, saying it is not fit for purpose, with some parents told their creche bill could be as great as €1,400 a month.
Operators in the sector say they are facing anger from parents over rising costs, but they blame the Government’s failed promises to reduce childcare costs.
In the run-up to last year’s general election, Tánaiste Simon Harris pledged to cap the cost of childcare at €200 a month per child. The Federation of Early Childhood Providers said the Government’s promises are “unrealistic”.
Chairperson at Federation of Early Childhood Providers, Elaine Dunne, joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us about this.