A €75 million support package has been announced for childcare providers.
The measure will allow 1,800 creches to reopen on June 29th, with reduced numbers of children.
The package is being distributed to stop them from charging higher fees than before the Covid-19 crisis.
The package also includes a wage subsidy scheme.
This will last until the end of August and cover 85% of wages.
A once-off reopening grant of €18m will also be provided to allow for extra staffing costs such as cleaning and training on how to operate play pods.
The Federation of Early Childhood Providers has welcomed the announcement but says they fall short for PPE and children with disabilities.
The group has raised the following concerns:
- There will be no funding for AIM services, meaning children with disabilities who need one-on-one care won’t be able to return to childcare facilities
- There is no support available in terms of PPE
- Childcare providers will operate at a loss as the Government financial supports are not enough, as there will not be enough children returning to childcare
