Childcare problem not resolved
by Bernard Harbor
 

The HSE has this week confirmed that it is essentially following Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) guidance on childcare supports for essential workers. 

 

Fórsa responded by insisting that this falls far short of what’s required to assist essential health staff, and to maximise the numbers available in hospitals, community health services, and nursing homes.

 

Last Tuesday, it was widely reported that the HSE was considering paid leave for staff who could not otherwise resolve their childcare difficulties. But clarification received from the HSE on Wednesday confirmed that this is not on the cards.

 

The possibility of paid leave for childcare was raised by the HSE at a meeting with health unions. But, to avoid confusion among health workers, Fórsa sought clarification.

 

This was because the proposal seemed to contradict official DPER advice, and it was unclear how it would be compatible with providing essential services during the Covid-19 public health crisis.

 

Fórsa and other health unions have been proposing a solution where the HSE provides direct childcare support to essential workers or meets the costs of the childcare arrangements that individual staff members put in place for their children.

 

Last week, the Government announcement that public servants who are partners of essential health staff could be given paid leave to assist with childcare. But Fórsa said this would not help those hit hardest by childcare difficulties – single parents, and families where both adults are essential workers – or assist health workers whose partners have jobs in the private sector.

 

It’s now over seven weeks since Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the closure of all schools and crèches. At that time, Fórsa and other health unions were assured that the Government would quickly put childcare supports in place for essential staff working to prevent the spread of coronavirus and treat those with the condition.

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