Sinn Féin General Election candidate, Drogheda’s Cllr Joanna Byrne, has dismissed the recent Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael proposals on childcare as “empty election promises”, saying these proposals exclude childminders and fail to tackle the core capacity and funding crises in the sector.  

“The sky high costs of childcare and shortage of childcare places is an issue that so many families are struggling with” Cllr Byrne said. 

“In many homes across Louth and East Meath monthly childcare fees are the equivalent of another mortgage, and in some cases it forces parents to have to consider leaving their jobs. That is simply wrong and places a huge pressure on working families." 

“Our plan "10-Euro-A-Day-Childcare-For-All" proposals will make it affordable to start and raise a family,make a lasting difference to parents ,deliver the childcare places that are needed and will include childminders as well as crèches .” 

“Unlike the empty election promises now being peddled by the same parties who have mismanaged the childcare sector for years - my party's plan tackles the core funding and capacity issues facing the childcare sector. It is irresponsible to talk about childcare proposals without addressing the low wages for early years educators, viability issues for providers and the lack of facilities.” 

"Sinn Féin’s fully costed plan provides for fair wages for staff, a review of core funding,ensure the viability of childcare providers, and investing in new practices as well as expanding existing practices so that all children who need a place can have one.” 

“Sinn Féin’s commitment to parents and families is clear, and only a Sinn Féin led Government will make it affordable to start and raise a family. Parents have a clear choice on 29 November- a choice to continue paying eye watering childcare fees, or a choice to vote to change the Government and vote for Sinn Féins team in Louth to deliver credible, affordable childcare. 

“I am asking families and parents in Drogheda and beyond to elect me as their voice in the next Dáil to be part of that new Government” she concluded.