Sherlock slams childcare scheme launch as ‘PR spin’
THE Labour party spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, Cork East TD Séan Sherlock, has slammed the Government’s National Children’s Scheme describing it as little more than “PR spin”.
The plan was launched this week to much fanfare by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who said it was “all about making childcare more affordable for parents.”
However. Deputy Sherlock was less than impressed with the plan, describing last Monday’s press event by the Taoiseach and Minister for Children Katherine Zappone as “just a launch about a launch, with nothing tangible for either parents or providers.”
“There were some nice photos taken (at the launch) but nothing else for parents or providers to take home. Nothing that we did not already know was announced,” said Deputy Sherlock.
“They launched a new name and a website – which did not work. They said they would tell everyone about it in May, during the local elections. They announced a new helpline but did not give the number as it won’t happen until April,” he fumed.
He went on to say the Department of Children and Youth Affairs had added to confusion by announcing it had arranged training sessions for providers under the Affordable Childcare Scheme rather than the one announced this week.
“Essentially, the launch was about getting the photo in the paper and the sound-bite on television. This type of PR spin has become the hallmark of this Government, like in Budget 2019 when it kicked the can until after the autumn. They have kicked the can again in a effort to show they are doing something,” said Deputy Sherlock.
He said that parents and providers wanted “certainty and investment, not more photo-ops.”
“The statement issued on Monday said the scheme would pave the way for our system to move from one of the most expensive to one of the very best. But, there is no effort to cap coats for parents or deliver professional salaries for working in this sector,” he concluded.