While acknowledging the monthly €5 increase to Child Benefit, Dearbhala remains unconvinced that this reform will have the desired effect.
“Simply topping up child benefit by €5 will not have the impact required for working parents who have childcare costs. Affordability will remain an ongoing issue.” she says.
Dearbhala goes on to the address the extension of the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE) and while acknowledging its advantages, she insists it falls short of expectations.
“This measure doesn’t go far enough and will not resolve the thorny issue of affordable childcare, as it does not address the childcare costs of those with younger children outside the ECCE scheme, between the ages of 12 months and 3years.”
Commenting on Minister Howlin's decision to invest €3 million towards the development of afterschool care in existing school buildings, Derbhala questions whether this plan will be enough.
“It remains to be seen if this is sufficient to cover the roll out of new services across the country,” she says before turning her attention to the €15 million which has been allocated in targeted childcare support for children with disabilities.
“This a positive measure and was much needed as the funding in the ECCE scheme did not provide for the additional care needs and 1:1 support for these children,” she opined.
Despite some reservations, the Director of Childcare with Giraffe commends the Government's decision to prioritise issues which greatly affect families in the Republic, but insists proper perspective is needed to thoroughly assess the proposals.
“We welcome the fact that childcare has become a key priority for this Government and only time will tell how these range of measures will deliver better outcomes for our children," she finishes.
