TÁNAISTE MICHEÁL MARTIN has distanced himself from the Taoiseach’s ‘half-baked’ childcare plan.
Speaking at the Fianna Fáil party think-in in Killiney, the party leader was asked about Simon Harris’s idea to have childcare as part of the publicly funded education system.
Martin cautioned against what he dubbed “half-baked” proposals on childcare, telling reporters:
“If we just throw out ideas without any substance behind them, a lot of those providers could take flight, [they] would be extremely concerned. They have invested now in the government’s plans, they’ve invested in their facilities. A lot of community playgroups have, and they won’t want to be told, ‘Well, actually, there’s no role for you anymore, because there’s a half-baked idea about doing something in schools.’”
Harris had proposed that childcare facilities be built next to primary schools.
Martin said the state has become more involved in childcare, adding that he does favour more state intervention in early education.
“I think the focus should …