City Council adopt radical new childcare policy-Doolan
Published: 8 May, 2006
Sinn Féin's Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, tonight welcomed, "Dublin City Council's commitment to becoming radically involved in the provision of childcare in the City."
Speaking tonight during the debate in City Hall, Cllr. Doolan said:
"This childcare policy we are adopting puts City Council at the centre of childcare in Dublin. The policy is the product of months of hard work, consultation and investigation. As a member of the Mayor's Commission on Childcare I fully support the recommendations in this new policy. It is a radical move and one that will ensure that City Council rises to the challenge of meeting the needs of children and parents. Every crèche I visited, every parent I spoke to, every childcare worker I meet urged City Council to stop being a spectator and to start becoming a partner in childcare provision. And that is exactly what this document is about, becoming a partner in providing childcare facilities in Dublin.
It's recommendations are focused and far reaching. We are calling for standardised, quality, accessible childcare for all those who need it. It also offers full training to those currently involved in the provision of childcare. We aim to ensure that any childcare facility is sustainable in every community. We already have received a commitment from the City Manager to a fully staffed childcare office being opened up by City Council and that local officers will be employed to work with the local communities to provide childcare facilities in our communities.
But the real test to ensure this policy does not simply remain words on a page but actually takes life and effects people in a positive way. To do this we must action the recommendations and councilors from all parties must ensure it's full implementation. Sinn Fein will remain the fore in demanding fully accessible childcare for children in Dublin and I hope this document is replicated right across the island of Ireland."
In conclusion Cllr. Doolan demanded, "that the Minister for Children's Affairs reads the document and works with this City to ensure we are not left wanting when it comes to funding and resourcing this vital piece of work."
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