Kildare politicians call for greater childcare supports 

KILDARE Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said early childhood education is key to supporting young children’s wellbeing and subsequent development.

“I agree that we need to do more to support people in the industry so that it continues to grow as a good professional sector,” she said. “Core Funding has worked well in supporting parents and children as well as the sector itself but while costs for parents have been addressed it is evident that the childcare sector needs more supports. I have met many committed people in the sector in Kildare and they are passionate about what they do. They provide a hugely important service for parents and for their community. We must support the sector to keep it viable.” Minister of State and Kildare South TD Martin Heydon told the Kildare Nationalist that since this Government was formed in 2020, they have worked to relieve childcare costs for parents and providers, whilst also working to raise pay and conditions, encouraging recruitment and retention within the sector.

“Following on from Budget 2024, last June more than 33,000 childcare workers across the country received a pay increase, as the Government aims to attract more people to work in the industry,” he said. “Although the pay increase will be welcome, we as a government recognise that there is more to do to improve conditions within the sector, and there is scope to do more with an increase through Core Funding, which this year has increased by 15% to €331 million.

“I speak with local childcare providers regularly in Kildare, I’m very conscious of the pressure that is faced by many childcare providers across the county, and indeed the childcare sector as a whole. As a parent of children who are in and have passed through the pre school system I know the value of the great work carried out by providers and their staff and I’m determined that Budget 2025 will go further in supporting the sector.”