Fine Gael Kildare South Martin Heydon TD has today (Wednesday) encouraged parents to take part in the current debate that is ongoing on current and future investment in childcare and early education.
“A number of suggestions have been made for future investment from tax credits for childcare costs to a second free pre school year or increased direct subventions to childcare providers. I have recently written to childcare providers in Kildare South seeking their views on the best format for any future investment but I believe it also important for parents to have a say. As a new parent myself I am acutely aware of the difficulties and pressures that come with the joy of parenthood.
“Minister for Children and Youth Affairs James Reilly recently established an Inter-Departmental Group to review the Government approach to investment in early years education. The Group is set up to explore ways of ensuring that current and future investment delivers more affordable, accessible and high quality early years and school-age care and education. As part of a public consultation process, Minister Reilly wants to find out what is working well and learn where he can best direct investment to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of Ireland’s early years and school-age care and education services over the coming years.
The Inter-Departmental Group will report to government with costed options for decision by the summer.
The closing dates for submissions from parents and guardians is extended to Sunday, 10th May. Further details can be found at www.dcya.gov.ie.