‘Our vision is to make Ireland the best country in Europe to be a child,’ says Varadkar
Asked if this was part of an election strategy to take credit from their Green Party colleagues for childcare reform, Mr Varadkar replied that childcare was just one aspect of the unit.
He acknowledged that Green Party Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman has responsibility for childcare, protection and youth affairs. Mr Varadkar said that children also come under the remit of the Department of Education because of schools and also the Department of Health through paediatric healthcare.
Many childcare providers have reported difficulties in retaining staff, and parents have raised the struggle of high childcare fees, often compared to a second mortgage.In September, Mr O’Gorman increased childcare providers’ and educators’ wages in a move that was broadly welcomed, although some small independent operators said further support was needed. A 25 per cent reduction in weekly childcare fees, at a cost of €121 million, was also announced as part of Budget 2023.
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