Leitrim child was 162nd on the list to get into childcare facility

Two councillors had motions in at the latest monthly meeting regarding the early childcare sector with Cllr Padraig Fallon asking the council to call on Minister Roderic O'Gorman to "adequately fund and increase capacity in the sector" adding that there are "a shocking shortage of spaces, availability and overall resources for this vital sector."

Cllr Fallon continued that he has spoken to a number of individuals working in the sector over the last number of months and said three weeks ago "two very angry parents rang me because one of them may have to give up employment because they can't get their child into a facility in north Leitrim and were 162nd on the list."

He added: "When you see the extent of those lists and those waiting, it tells its own tale."

Cllr Paddy Farrell asked the government to tackle the current "childcare crisis experienced by many families, locally and nationally" saying there is a lack of facilities available to care for young babies when maternity leave has ended, which in turn means that parents cannot return to work, are not in receipt of sufficient income, and this can put the family under financial stress and pressure. 

Cllr Farrell continued that "early years practitioners are leaving the sector all over the country and there are several reasons why; the pay is very poor, no pension, no maternity leave, very little support from government and staff turnover is huge every year. Many of the practitioners have spent more than four years in college."

He said that "care workers and children are the future of our country so we need to see the government take action on this as soon as possible."

All members supported the motion.