Around 10,000 people are marching through Dublin City Centre to highlight what they say is a 'worsening crisis' in the childcare sector.
More than 1,700 crèches around the country have closed for the protest against high fees and low pay in the sector.
The demonstration is organised by the Early Years Alliance, an umbrella group made up of childcare staff, providers, unions and parents.
It’s estimated that 10 thousand childcare workers and supporters have turned out for Dublin protest over standards in the sector. pic.twitter.com/fm5snWVHsf
— Stephanie Rohan (@StephGrogan3) February 5, 2020
Dublin creche owner Elaine Dunne told Newstalk that parents and staff are being asked to bear the brunt of a lack of State funding for the sector.
“The reason we are marching is because we have just had enough of how we are being treated,” she said.
“We need more funding into the sector – 100%
“Everyone is talking about the low wages etc. but the low wages are there because we don’t get enough money.
“We don’t want to put it back out there on the parents and say, ‘hey I am going to up your prices, your fees again by another 15% or 20%.
“Parents should not have to keep taking the hit from the lack of funding in the sector.”
Huge turnout in Dublin’s city centre for protest on conditions in the childcare sector.
Maybe about 10, 000 here pic.twitter.com/OEwswCDWKf— Stephanie Rohan (@StephGrogan3) February 5, 2020
Chairperson of the Association of Childcare Professionals, Marian Quinn, said they've been left with little choice but to act.
She explained: "When parents are paying the equivalent of a second mortgage, they're obviously thinking that there's a huge amount of money going into the services.
"But [there's] the level of staffing required, along with the increased insurance costs and the requirements in relation to fire & safety.
"You continuously have to be building a contingency fund, and you're also paying for training, required manual handling, first aid etc... So it is very expensive."
Childcare protesters in Dublin City Centre, 05-02-2020. Image: Stephanie Rohan/Newstalk
Childcare protesters in Dublin City Centre, 05-02-2020. Image: Stephanie Rohan/NewstalkChildren's Minister Katherine Zappone said she doesn't believe today's action is a sign of failed government policy.
She observed: "I understand why people are taking to the streets. I do understand of course... that childcare professionals are not paid enough.
"I am absolutely in favour that they are paid more - but the early year educators and childcare professionals are not employed by the State, so the State doesn't determine their pay."
