Byrne says shortage of childcare places in Louth must be urgently addressed

Louth Sinn Féin TD, Joanna Byrne, has called on the newly appointed Government to urgently address the shortage of childcare places for families in Louth.

Recent responses to parliamentary questions submitted by Deputy Byrne to the newly appointed Minister for Children show that 17 pre-school services closed in the last number of years in Louth, and more worryingly that 158 Early Learning and Care (ELC) places have been lost.

Deputy Byrne stated: "These figures clearly indicate a worrying trend. A trend which flies in the face of Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael pre-election empty promises on childcare.

"The sky high costs of childcare and shortage of childcare places is an issue that so many families raised with me during the recent election campaign. Right across homes across Louth and East Meath the lack of available and affordable place, backed up by these statistics, is forcing parents to have to consider leaving their jobs. That is simply wrong and places a huge pressure on working families who are already struggling to make ends meet."

Deputy Byrne continued: "This government have spent weeks arguing over their perks and positions without giving a single thought to families in my constituency. With thousands of children right throughout the country waiting on childcare spaces, it's way past time that they now get to work and get serious about investing in new practices as well as expanding existing practices so that all children who need a place can have one. It is critical that the capacity of the sector is expanded.

"Sinn Féin’s commitment to parents and families is clear, prioritising affordability and accessibility in childcare places. Capacity can be expanded by addressing the recruitment and retention crisis, extending supports to childminders, and reviewing core funding.

"I am determined to be a voice for families and parents in Drogheda and beyond on this issue and I intend to raise this tirelessly until this Government and Minister Foley implement action. They need to urgently relive this burden that a huge proportion of our population are carrying and future-proof this sector and begin to build a long-term sustainable childcare network.”