Preschool provider fears for the future under new scheme

FIVE years ago, Mary Cleary paid €1.5 million for a purpose-built childcare centre.

After 20 years in business, she couldn’t keep up with demand for her services in a booming Co Cork town and she needed to expand.

Now, she is fearing for her future because of what she describes as the Minister for Children’s “ill thought-out” plan of a year’s free preschool education by offering a one-size-fits-all capitation fee to preschool providers.