The Start Strong Network announced its “Children 2020” campaign on Nov 26. Formerly the Irish Childcare Policy Network, it has more than 90 members including the Children’s Rights Alliance, Barnardos and the National Parents’ Council.

Director Ciairín de Buis said that while Ireland was “bottom of the list for quality” it was “top of the list for costs”. 

Among the 10 priorities of the campaign are:

• the introduction of paid paternity leave and longer maternity and parental leave;
• affordable and accessible childcare for all families;
• greater supports for work-life balance;
• additional childcare supports for families “who need support most”.

“The return on investment in quality early care and education is high," said Ms de Buis. "Cost-benefit analyses in the US have found returns can be as high as $16 for every $1 spent."

The budget for Early Education at the Office of the Minister for Children had already been cut by more than 50 per cent since 2008, Ms de Buis said. It was essential that services to children be protected from further cuts, she added. (Source: Irish Times)