CSI Welcomes Extension of Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to End of October

Childhood Services Ireland (CSI), the Ibec group representing the Early Years sector, has today welcomed Minister Paschal Donohoe’s announcement of the extension of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for the month of October, which they called for recently.  
The scheme has been vital in facilitating the successful play pod system across the Early Years sector which has proved important and effective in managing the public health crisis by limiting interactions between different groups of children and their families as well as staff. 

Speaking after the announcement this afternoon the Director of Childhood Services Ireland, Darragh Whelan said: “Childhood Services Ireland had highlighted the need for certainty around Government supports for Early Years with Government. We are happy to see that the scheme will be extended for October which will give certainty to parents and providers in the coming weeks. The Play Pod system is one that requires extra staffing, and we were very clear that the extra cost that comes with this should not be passed onto parents.” 

Regarding the future of supports for the sector, Mr Whelan commented: “Today’s announcement will allow the Early Years sector plan for the eventual phasing out of Government supports in a responsible manner that avoids any cliff-edge. It is vitally important that Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister Roderic O’Gorman engage in meaningful consultation with Early Years providers and staff before any further decision is made regarding supports beyond October and that decisions are communicated in a timely manner to allow Early Years providers plan accordingly”.