Childcare providers will be asked to stop charging parents for places in crèches in return for a major bailout for the sector during the Covid-19 emergency. Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone secured a substantial rescue package for the industry which will see childcare businesses and their staff receive State support in return for ditching fees for parents who are worried about keeping their places. The childcare provider will be expected to retain the staff in return for this payment which will last for the next 12 weeks. Childcare providers will also receive an additional payment from the Department which will be based on 15pc of their staff costs. Childcare staff will be asked to use their time off work to continue their professional development or up-skill in return for their payment.

Source: Irish Independent March 24, 2020 19:52 UTC