Children's Christmas plea to Minister on childcare funding

A CHRISTMAS plea to Children’s Minister Brendan Smith not to change community childcare funding rules was delivered to Leinster House on Monday. And Dublin City Council has passed an emergency motion, tabled by Sinn Féin, adding its voice to calls to suspend the new funding scheme planned for 1 January.
Monday’s delivery of postcards was by children and childcare workers from Dublin’s North Wall and Ballyfermot areas. They were representing groups from 16 counties who met in Athlone on 1 December to launch the postcard campaign which continues over Christmas. Also planned is a protest when the Dáil reconvenes after the holidays.
The Dublin City Council motion supporting the community childcare groups’ campaign was tabled by Sinn Féin Councillor Críona Ní Dhálaigh and seconded by Labour Councillor Dermot Lacey at the December meeting.
Calling on the Children’s Minister to suspend the scheme and hold talks with all stakeholders, Dublin City councillors said that the new rules will “negatively affect the community childcare crèches, playgroups and after-school clubs in this city, including many which are part-funded by City Council, based in Council facilities”.