Umbrella group criticises cut in childcare supplement

An umbrella group representing childcare organisations has criticised the Government's decision to cut the Early Childcare Supplement.

The move was announced by the Taoiseach on Tuesday as part of new cutbacks aimed at reducing public spending by €2bn this year.

He said the supplement would be cut from €1,100 to €1,000 and the age limit would also be cut from five-and-a-half years to five years.

The National Voluntary Childcare Collaborative says the cuts are a step backward in the Government's stated aim of supporting families in breaking the cycle of poverty and disadvantage.