Group to report on childcare sector

An inter-departmental group that is looking at the childcare sector will report back to James Reilly, the children’s minister, by the summer.

This week, thousands of workers in early childhood care and education rallied outside Leinster House at the start of a campaign to push for improved pay as well as investment in services in the sector.

Mr Reilly yesterday said that he would like to see increased investment in the childcare sector when he appeared before the Oireachtas committee on health and children.

“While I have been pleased that we managed to protect the significant investment in childcare in very difficult economic circumstances, I would like to see increased investment in the sector as funding becomes available,” he said.

Evidence-based and well considered investment could help support parents, improve staff pay, benefit children, and have a positive impact on society and the economy.

Mr Reilly met with the Association of Childhood Professionals last week and accepted a petition from the groups campaigning for more investment in childcare.

“We are in agreement about the importance of future investment,” said Mr Reilly.

The inter-departmental group, which will meet for the first time on Wednesday, will examine childcare provision across the 0-6 age group and consider the after-school needs of older school-going children.

“I am asking the group to report to me by the summer,” said Mr Reilly.

The inter-departmental group behind the report includes representatives of the Departments of Education and Skills, Social Protection, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Public Expenditure and Reform, Finance, and the Taoiseach.