Councillor calls for state-run childcare system

Sinn Féin councillor Kathleen McGurk has said action must be taken over the ever-rising costs of childcare which 'is becoming increasingly unaffordable' for many parents. 

“This pressure is further exacerbated as many households are already struggling with the rise in costs for everyday essentials such as food, fuel and heating,” said Ms McGurk.

“Crippling costs are forcing more and more people to have to leave work to take on unpaid care and rely on one income to sustain the family.

"As we already know, the burden of unpaid caring responsibilities mainly falls to women, meaning that women are more likely to have to leave work.

“For employees, childcare work - which is female-dominated, is low paid with little recognition of the skills involved or the dedication required. 

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"Rather than providing its maximum potential for employment, the sector faces a mass exodus as other areas of the economy recover. 

“Frankly, the situation is unsustainable. We need action to help struggling families now and we need a childcare strategy brought forward immediately.

"It is a disgrace that the Executive's plan for more affordable childcare is now stalled because the DUP have walked out of the Executive.

“Sinn Féin believe childcare should be available as a public service, this would benefit children and their parents. A State-run childcare system has the potential to be a huge employer; help with the health and mental development of our smallest children; facilitate parents, especially women, to access the workforce; and be a positive component of economic growth. 

“It is imperative that a Childcare Strategy is brought forward as a priority in the next Assembly mandate,” she added.

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