Childcare providers across Sligo and Leitrim have penned a letter to the Children’s Minster over concerns relating to a new requirement for “Detailed Financial Reporting”, a condition for availing of Core Funding.
They’re warning that increased interference in their practice, amplified by these requirements, may lead to widespread closures of services in Sligo and Leitrim.
A new committee has also been formed locally to challenge the issue.
Core Funding was introduced in the School year 2022-2023, in order to help cover the costs associated with operating childcare services on behalf of the state, and has been paid to participating services since September 2022.
Providers were asked to enter into contract with the Department initially in August 2022 and to reaccept in August 2023 to facilitate the introduction of a pay rise.
However they say it came as a shock to eventually fine out the extent of detail the Department wanted. Providers say it’s still unclear exactly what information the Department wants, nor how we are to submit them.
They say they will not be in a position to meet the Minister’s demands by the March 22nd deadline nor have they been informed of the consequences of not complying.
The group of providers have written to Minister Roderic O’Gorman informing him of their concerns, and outlining practical solutions to the issue.
They are also calling on all local elected representatives to stand with them to save these vital local services.
The providers group is asking that the Minister postpone the requirement of the chart of accounts in their current form until all issues have been resolved.
The letter to Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman: