Staff shortages mean moves to make childcare more affordable are futile, say advocates

It pointed to statistics from Pobal which show there are 6,663 children under the age of one on creche waiting lists and 223 places available. File photo

Plans to reduce fees and improve affordability of childcare for parents will not be viable if the ongoing, chronic shortage of staff is not addressed, the sector has warned.

Early Childhood Ireland said that, with 330,000 children returning to early years and school-age care settings across the country after the holidays, addressing the issues plaguing the sector must be a priority under the next Programme for Government.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael continue to negotiate with each other and independents as they look to form the next government, with a deal expected to be finalised within the coming days.

Frances Byrne, director of policy at Early Childhood Ireland, said while all parties pledged to slash fees for parents as part of the general election campaign, recruitment and retention challenges remain a major stumbling block to achieving these aims.

For example, during the campaign, Fianna Fáil pledged to reduce childcare costs to a maximum of €200 per month while increasing core funding to creches.

“We welcome the focus on access to Early Years and School Age Care for all children, but without proper pay and conditions for staff, there simply will not be enough educators available to care for those children,” Ms Byrne said.

The advocacy group said the latest available data shows staff turnover in the sector stands at 24.5%. In Cork, it is slightly higher at 26.2%.

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It pointed to statistics from Pobal which show there are 6,663 children under the age of one on creche waiting lists and 223 places available. A further 12,208 children aged 1-2 are on waiting lists with just 675 places available.

In Cork, there are 534 children under the age of one vying for just 17 places. Ms Byrne said parity in pay and conditions for new graduates would offer staff the recognition they deserve and help solve capacity issues in the system.

“There is broad political support for increased investment in Early Years and School Age Care,” she added.

“With a new five-year programme being shaped, now is the time for the incoming government to propose a plan which outlines the level of funding which will be made available each year, along with clear annual priorities.”