Calls for speedier implementation of childcare strategy

POLITICIANS from across Fermanagh have accepted that childcare is a huge issue, with many calling for a quicker implementation of a childcare strategy given the issues faced by providers and parents.

Two of those calling for changes are fathers of a young family, Councillor Eddie Roofe, Alliance, and Councillor Garbhan Mcphillips, SDLP, who both have detailed the impact of childcare costs on their own families.

Councillor Roofe stated: “As a father of a three-year-old and a one-year-old, I am acutely aware that the cost of childcare in Northern Ireland is astronomical. Like most parents with children under four, childcare has essentially become a second mortgage and is unsustainable for young families.”

Outlining what the Alliance party have done on the issue, he said: “To date, we are the only party to have published detailed proposals and are raising this at every opportunity. We have repeatedly asked for urgent support for parents.”

Describing childcare costs as “eye-watering”, SDLP Councillor Mcphillips said: “As someone with two young children who are currently in childcare, I know all too well the eye-watering costs that parents face. My wife and I work fulltime, and we have no choice but to pay these ever-increasing fees unless we are willing to give up work which would have its own negative impact on our family.

“Childcare providers do a great job, but the reality is these costs are becoming impossible for many families. There is a real sense of frustration amongst parents at the failure of the Executive to take any meaningful action.”

Sinn Féin MLA Aine Murphy said her party have been working on this issue conducting online surveys and speaking to parents, and pressing for action from the Education Minister.

She said: “Sinn Féin have pressed the Education Minister to look at providing immediate, interim support for providers and