Children’s groups call for cuts exemption

A COALITION of children’s rights groups has called on the Government to dump any plans to implement recommendations in the McCarthy Report.

The new body claimed that proposed cutbacks would have a “lasting, detrimental impact on children and families”.

The newly-formed National Voluntary Childcare Collaborative (NVCC), in an open letter, has urged Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan to “do all in his power to protect children while reviewing the McCarthy Report and framing Budget 2010”.

There are widespread fears over a reduction in social welfare and cuts in payments such as child benefit.

The NVCC is comprised of Barnardos, Childminding Ireland, Children in Hospital Ireland, Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta, the PPA, the National Children’s Nurseries Association, the Steiner Kindergarten Association and the st Nicholas Montessori Association of Ireland.

In a letter printed in today’s Irish Examiner and signed by Patricia Murray on behalf of the NVCC, the group acknowledge the seriousness of the country’s economic situation but claim this cannot be used as a reason for implement swingeing cuts.

“While welcoming the introduction of the free pre-school year for every child, we are very concerned that broader government investment in childcare should not be reduced until the necessary provision for high-quality childcare services can be assured.

“Childcare is a crucial support to families, particularly vulnerable families. It is essential that Government funding for schemes such as the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme be ring-fenced at the present level, otherwise many community services will not be sustainable.”

The letter also states that: “Even in these difficult times, it is important that the real-life impact of proposed cuts on children and families are seriously taken into consideration before decisions are made.

“Cuts to family supports such as child benefit, the qualified child increase and family income supplement will inevitably impact severely on many children’s welfare.”

At a pre-budget forum held in Dublin last Friday, Barnardos’ director of advocacy, Norah Gibbons, told Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin that: “McCarthy has got it wrong and children and families must not pay the price”.

She said deflation had less impact on families who were already living in poverty and that any reduction in social welfare would push many families towards loan sharks.

The same forum also heard that childcare costs had not fallen in line with deflation and that in some cases the costs amounted to 30% of a family’s income.