Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal and outgoing Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs, Alan Farrell, has welcomed the announcement of €75m in funds for childcare providers in the State.
Deputy Farrell said, “The uncertainty caused by the pandemic has led to significant worry and stress for childcare workers and providers. This announcement is an important step that will give reassurance to the childcare sector and the parents that rely on it.
“Most importantly, these funds will allow childcare services to adapt their premises in order to ensure that their reopening will provide the highest level of safety for the children in their care.”
Deputy Farrell continued, “Service providers will be given access to a reopening grant fund of €18m, which will assist with meeting the requirements for additional staff, the purchase of hygiene equipment, training and other resources. A further €14.2m in capital grants will help upgrade hygiene facilities and outdoor areas for play. €375,000 will also be made available to childminders.”
“The awarding of these grants will primarily be guided by the number of children attending an individual provider. The Wage Subsidy Scheme will also continue to be available, until the end of August, to childcare providers that open on June 29th.”
Deputy Farrell added, “As our society reopens, and more people return to work, we must ensure that we have a strong and reliable childcare sector to support those who rely on it. This funding package will provide the sector with the resources to adapt to the challenge ahead.”