Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has said the Government’s failure to commit to a public model of childcare is a betrayal of families and early years educators across the country — including here in Waterford.
Speaking during the Together for Public Childcare demonstration outside Leinster House this week Deputy McGuinness said:
“The Government promised reform, but their record speaks for itself. There’s still no commitment to a public model of childcare — not in the Programme for Government, and not in practice.
“Here in Waterford, parents are paying through the nose for basic childcare, while early years educators are expected to deliver vital public services on low wages and precarious contracts. It’s not sustainable — and it’s not fair.
“Fine Gael were happy to talk up the idea of a public childcare model before the last election. Now that they’re back in office, they’ve dropped it entirely. All the talk was just that — talk.
“We can make Ireland a better place to raise a family. That starts with a public model of childcare that guarantees access for parents, fair pay for workers in the early years sector, and long-term economic and social benefits for the country.”
“I was delighted to join with early years educators, families, and trade unions on International Workers Day to demand a better, fairer approach.”
Deputy McGuinness reiterated Sinn Féin’s commitment to a properly funded, public childcare model that delivers for families, educators and communities.
Conor D. McGuinness TD 