Call for ‘urgent end’ to uncertainty facing childcare providers in Waterford
Waterford TD Conor McGuinness made the comments after the issue was referred to the Attorney General
A local TD has called for an “urgent end” to the uncertainty facing childcare providers in Waterford.
Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness made the comments after corresponding with Minister for Children Norma Foley over the issue of commercial rates.
It comes after Minister Foley confirmed that the issue has been referred to the Office of the Attorney General.
Deputy McGuinness first raised the issue in January after being contacted by a number of childcare providers in Waterford who had received proposed commercial rates valuations.
They argued that these valuations threatened the viability of their services.
Deputy McGuinness has since pursued the matter through Parliamentary Questions, direct correspondence with ministers and a Topical Issue debate in Dáil Éireann.
He stated: “For months, childcare providers have been passed from one public body to another.
“They were told this was a matter for Tailte Éireann. They were told rates are a matter for local authorities.
“They were directed towards appeals processes. Meanwhile, providers were left facing enormous uncertainty.”
Deputy McGuinness continued by saying that the latest update from the minister represents a significant development.
“The correspondence I have now received from Minister Norma Foley confirms that the Government is engaging with the Office of the Attorney General on this issue.
“That is a significant development. It demonstrates that this is not simply an administrative matter. There are clearly legal and policy issues that now require resolution.”
Deputy McGuinness said the development followed sustained pressure from childcare providers and continued political engagement.
He praised the work of his Sinn Féin colleagues on Waterford City and County Council for working with him to highlight the issue.
“When providers first contacted me earlier this year, they were deeply worried about what these valuations could mean for their future.
“I made a commitment that I would pursue the issue until they received answers. Since then I have repeatedly raised the matter with Ministers, submitted Parliamentary Questions and brought it before the Dáil.
“Without the courage of providers in coming forward, and without sustained pressure to keep this issue on the political agenda, I do not believe we would now have two Government Departments engaging with the Attorney General.”
Deputy McGuinness said that while the Minister’s letter acknowledged that work is underway, it does not yet provide the certainty providers urgently need.
“The Minister also reiterates that responsibility for valuations lies with Tailte Éireann and that commercial rates fall outside her Department’s remit.
“That may describe the current legal position, but it does not resolve the problem facing providers.
“Childcare providers do not need departments passing responsibility between one another. They need certainty. Parents need certainty. Communities need certainty.”
He highlighted the pressure being faced by childcare providers and families across the country.
“Across Waterford and throughout the country, childcare providers are already operating under immense financial pressure while families struggle to secure places.
“The Government must now conclude its engagement with the Attorney General as quickly as possible, set out a clear way forward and ensure that essential childcare services are not placed at risk because of commercial rates.”
Deputy McGuinness said he will continue to press the Government until a satisfactory resolution is delivered for childcare providers in Waterford and across the State.