Fine Gael TD for Wexford, Minister Paul Kehoe has said that Wexford will receive €68,615 in grant funding for early years services. “This funding will be distributed to childcare services, in support of this vital sector in Wexford. This capital programme demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the ongoing development of the childcare sector.
“The investment is being directed by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James Reilly, towards addressing the most urgent works and supporting the quality of services making the greatest impact for disadvantaged children and communities here in Wexford.
“Nationally €5 million of the grant funding was made available specifically for community/not for profit childcare services while the other €2 million was made available to both private and community/not for profit childcare facilities to access grants for quality improvement measures, specifically in the area of upgrading IT facilities. €68,615 will go to local services. Funding has been allocated to a wide range of works, from essential repairs and upgrades, to repainting and resurfacing of play areas. In addition, 40 services will receive funding to assist with the upgrade of IT facilities.
This news follows last week’s proposals for strategic investment in childcare which aims to improve affordability, quality and accessibility for parents and children across Ireland.
Speaking on Report of Inter-Departmental Working Group: Future Investment in Childcare in Ireland Minister Kehoe said:
“As a parent of three pre-school age children, the issue of childcare is one that is very close to home. The more recovery we see in the economy, the more people will have access to work. A lack of access to affordable, quality childcare is one of the stumbling blocks that will slow down people’s return to the workplace and is something that must be addressed in the immediate term.”
“I have spoken to many childcare providers in my constituency and they struggle to maintain affordability for families while ensuring that appropriate standards and level of educational care are met. Any investment in children has a multi-fold impact, in terms of giving parents the option to work outside of the home while not breaking the bank on childcare costs and providing peace of mind that their children are receiving quality care in a secure setting.
Leave a Reply