There was good news for parents of young children today as the Government have confirmed that special funding of €6.5 million has been set aside to help pre-schools expand to meet increased demand.
The much needed funding will reportedly help 60,000 extra children from this September. The Government say parents can now look forward to an Early Childhood Care and Education scheme that will now provide on average 61 weeks of free childcare.
The news is a welcome boost given the fact the trade union Impact was deeply concerned that contracts with childcare providers were not yet in place.