Childcare Providers take their protest to elected representatives

A newly formed, grassroots organisation of Early Years and School-Aged Care providers hosted a meeting on March 21 with elected representatives from Sligo-Leitrim to outline their concerns about what was described by one speaker as "increased Government interference in private businesses."

The meeting, attended by Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin and a number of Sligo County Councillors heard that the introduction of Core Funding in 2022 had increased the administrative burden for Providers, both community and private, to unsustainable levels.

A spokesperson of the Early Years and School-Aged Care providers said that in September 2022, they "saw the introduction of Core Funding, a funding stream designed to help cover the costs of running an Early Years or School Aged Care Service", but theft understood by accepting this funding "would lead to an enhanced level of financial reporting."

"We were led to believe that this would entail completing an excel spreadsheet, or a pre-populated drop down form, as Community owned Services already complete quarterly.

"The Councillors seemed shocked to learn that the details of a contract we signed in September 2022 were not made clear until November 2023. That, sadly, is the reality of partnership with the Department of Children.

"Deputy Harkin and the assembled Sligo County Councillors committed to supporting us in our endeavours and many of them offered practical advice about how to bring our campaign to the next level."

Many other Councillors and Local Election candidates, including Labour's Nessa Cosgrove, a long-time advocate for the Early Years, sent expressions of support and solidarity.

The meeting closed with agreement that a motion would be submitted to Sligo County Council's April meeting, which Councillor Marie Casserley agreed to draft.

"Through presenting our message and practical solutions to the people who can bring them to the attention of the Minister, we feel that we are really making progress. It is heartening to see independent TDs and Councillors working alongside their colleagues from all political parties.

"Just as we entered our sector in order to work with children and families, they entered politics with the desire to improve the lives of their constituents. This is a powerful example of local democracy and grassroots activism working hand in hand to achieve change for the better," the spokesperson said.