Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has said that the government must finally deliver on its promise to provide affordable and accessible childcare and ensure proper support for the early years sector, warning that families and providers across Wicklow are continuing to struggle under the weight of high costs, staff shortages, and chronic underfunding.
Deputy Brady made the comments after the debate of a Sinn Féin motion in the Dáil, which calls on the government to deliver urgently needed investment and reform. This motion was supported by the 43 organisations and trade unions who have come together to form the Together for Public Alliance for a Public System of Early Childhood Education & Care and had widespread support across the Opposition.
“The government promised to deliver real change in the childcare sector, but that promise is fast becoming yet another broken election commitment”, said Brady. “Families across Wicklow are still paying sky-high childcare fees, providers are under constant pressure and workers continue to be undervalued and underpaid. Enough is enough”.
Deputy Brady said that Sinn Féin’s motion highlights the real and growing problems facing families and childcare services:
“This motion set out clear and achievable steps the government can take now to support the early years sector. It has the backing of 43 organisations – those working in the sector every single day and witnessing the pressures first-hand”.
“I have spoken to countless parents across Wicklow who tell me they simply cannot afford childcare. Some are forced to leave their jobs because the cost is higher than their wages. Others are desperately trying to find a place but are met with long waiting lists or services closing. This is completely unacceptable in this day and age”.
Deputy Brady also pointed to the impact on staff and service providers in Wicklow:
“We have services across the county that are struggling to stay open because they cannot get the support they need. Workers are leaving the profession in roves because the pay and conditions are oftens so poor. If we do not act now, the crisis will only deepen”.
He concluded by calling on the government to stop making empty promises and to support Sinn Féin’s proposals.
“The government had no problem making promises before the last election, but they have failed to deliver for families since then. Families right across Wicklow will not be fooled again. Budget 2026 must finally deliver a properly funded, accessible and affordable childcare system that supports parents, providers and workers – just as the government promised before the election”.
“Sinn Féin has a plan, one that cuts fees for parents, increases pay for workers and ensures a sustainable, public model of childcare. The government must enact our suggestions and stop letting families across Wicklow down”.