USI attacks Government decision to slash childcare

national | miscellaneous | press release

Thursday August 07, 2003 14:30

by The Insider - USI

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has challenged the Government to justify its rationale behind the slashing of childcare in early access and second chance education programmes by 37%.

USI attacks "Callous" decision to slash childcare

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has challenged the Government to justify its rationale behind the slashing of childcare in early access and second chance education programmes by 37%. The cutback, which will affect the very people Minister Dempsey claims to champion, will have severe implications for the 1,500 young people who rely on their local Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) to provide childcare services for their young
children.

Will Preistley, President, USI said: "This is a thinly veiled Government attack on initiatives designed to assist those who need assistance the most."

"Almost 1,500 students rely on their local Vocational Educational Committees to provide childcare services for their young children. This enabled young parents and early school leavers to return to education, with very positive consequences for them personally and also for their communities, as it provides an example to friends and families that it is never too late to return to education. However, the 37% cut in childcare "

"Look at this callous change from the perspective of a young mother with a two-year-old daughter. After being brave enough to return to education, she has now been kicked in the teeth for her efforts. What option does she have but to abandon her dream?"

"VECs also operate Youthreach services and Traveller education programmes, in which some of the participants are as young as 15. These are relied upon to empower them to return to education. The current situation means that some childcare centres are planning to close by the autumn, as they are unable to operate on this substantially reduced level of funding."

"Typically, there was no warning of this cutback and it is no coincidence that it was delivered during the Dáil summer recess. Our policy makers would do well to remember that the disadvantaged young people of today are the voters of tomorrow who will decide whether or not to re-elect the current Government."

"Minister Dempsey has often enough stated his desires to increase the numbers of students from disadvantaged students attending our third level colleges, but this is among many of his actions and policies that does exactly the opposite."

"It is common knowledge that we are facing tough times economically, but when one considers how insignificant the savings from this ruling are in comparison with what will be lost by the young people who benefited from the schemes, then it becomes clear just how ludicrous the situation is."

"One of the biggest myths about third level education is that it is reserved for the middle classes. Untrue as this is, the Government is doing very little to bolster the chances of those from disadvantaged backgrounds attending college. Once again, this cutback will secure nominal savings while destroying the futures of those affected."