Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has called on the Government to allow continued access to childcare for essential workers and vulnerable children.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Children, said:
“Our most vulnerable children were hit very hard during the first lockdown. It is hugely important that those children are not impacted again.
“We must also continue to support our essential workers over the coming weeks as they deal with the impacts of this virus head-on, for the benefit of us all.
“Our childcare and early education sector needs to be supported as much as possible, not just over the next few difficult weeks, but into the future. The importance of this sector to the functioning of our communities and economy needs to be properly acknowledged by the State.
“This is a sector that has been ignored, under-invested in and forgotten for many years – this cannot be allowed to continue. Covid-19 has shone a light on the fundamental importance of the sector and its neglect by successive governments.
“The closure of creches and childcare facilities will present major challenges for families, but people in Ireland will do what is expected of them. It is important, however, that any new guidelines are clearly communicated by the Government so everyone knows what is allowable.”
January 6, 2021