Sherlock seeks cast iron guarantee on remaining childcare phases

Cork East TD Seán Sherlock sought a cast iron guarantee from the Minister for Children in the Dáil today that the remaining phases on the government’s Roadmap relating to Childcare would be achieved as the quality of life for working mothers is under threat during COVID restrictions.

Said Deputy Sherlock:
“There are huge issues the quality of life issues facing working parents, particularly working mothers, for whom childcare has become a crucial issue. We have the first research findings from the Central Statistics Office, CSO, on the adverse effect it is having on working women in particular. The CSO press statement on the employment and life effects of COVID-19 survey published on 13 May states:

It found that more women … than men … are caring for a dependent family member or friend because of the COVID-19 crisis. It also found that women are more likely to report childcare issues related to the COVID-19 crisis … and women are finding it more difficult to work from home because of family being around.

We now have an evidence base to show this pandemic is having an adverse effect on working women in particular. I said this the last time I stood in the Chamber to speak to the Minister and I am saying it again today. In the intervening period, a milestone was missed. We had much expectation about this milestone being reached but it was missed. It is pertinent for us to ask why it has been missed. If there is a certain amount of scepticism about the next milestone being reached, that would be understandable by any objective analysis.

I seek a cast iron guarantee from the Government and the Minister that the next phase of this scheme will proceed on 29 June. If the Minister can give us that guarantee, will she also indicate, given that phase 1 for essential workers was missed, whether there are plans to put in place a revised scheme for the period until 29 June? Is work ongoing to devise a scheme for those who were missed in phase 1?

Responding, Dr Zappone said:
“Sure. The Deputy referred to the evidence base for working women. I thank him for raising the research in the Chamber. It is really important to put it on the record and to remind ourselves about it. The Deputy will respect that I am aware of it. I have done a lot of work over many years to ensure and call for supports for women who may have taken on more of the responsibilities for caring, not just for children but also for parents and so on, while working and wanting to move on in the world of work. I acknowledge that. In light of the pandemic, stress has increased, especially for women.”

“On the basis of the planning we are currently engaged in, I hope we will be open at the time specified.”