Possible pre-school crisis with planned Government change

The country's community preschool and playgroup operators have warned of an impending crisis in the sector.

The IPPA, the early childcare group which represents 2,500 members operating and working in the sector, claim that a Government plan to change to a per capita grant system will hit services and parents.

Marlene Mc Cormack, the director of training with IPPA, said parents who are just outside the social welfare band will be those hardest hit with increased childcare fees unless the government changes its plans.