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Government cancels childcare scheme for frontline workers
05/13/2020 – 09:41
By digital desk staff
The government has canceled the temporary child care scheme that was in effect for essential health workers.
Minister Katherine Zappone has said it is because only six providers signed up for the initiative, which she says is unlikely to change.
They gave four main reasons for the low enrollment rate.
- They include
- availability of insurance coverage;
- concerns about possible transmission of the virus;
- Difficulties in meeting employer responsibilities for breaks and rest periods;
- Concern about the lack of protection for staff who work alone.
The proposal would have seen childcare workers care for the children of healthcare staff for € 90 per week per family.
The funds would also have covered the associated employer costs, as well as an administrative overhead to provide supervision and support.
The minister insisted that the home-based approach met public health requirements.
“It was a temporary response in an emergency situation that required participants to operate outside of their normal environments,” his department said.
“The minister recognized the efforts both within her own department and externally to launch the scheme.
“I sincerely hoped that it would be possible to carry out such a plan successfully and ease the burden on our front-line health workers somewhat.
“Unfortunately, this has not been the case.”
The government said it is committed to developing solutions to child care issues before the gradual reopening of early learning and child care facilities on June 29.
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