The Government has come under fire over what’s been described as a lack of funding given to childcare services in the North West and elsewhere.
Many providers plan to close their doors next week for three days as part of strike action while a protest is also due to be held outside Leinster House between 26 September and 28 September.
The funding issue combined with an ongoing staffing crisis within the sector is leading to fear that some childcare services may shut for good.
Speaking in the Dail, Donegal Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty says it’s a grave situation but something that he feels the Government can remedy with intervention:
Responding, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien defended the core funding which was introduced in last year’s Budget:
