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.