Tánaiste Micheál Martin has criticized Taoiseach Simon Harris’s proposed childcare plan, describing it as “half-baked.” Martin expressed concern that implementing such unrefined ideas could disrupt existing childcare providers who have already invested in their facilities based on current plans. Harris had suggested integrating childcare into the public education system by building facilities next to primary schools. Martin supports increased state involvement in early education but emphasizes the need for well-developed proposals that prioritize child development and address gaps in special education. Additionally, Martin opposed the idea of creating a new Department of Infrastructure, calling for a detailed plan instead to overcome existing barriers in public capital projects.
https://www.thejournal.ie/micheal-martin-simon-harris-childcare-6488935-Sep2024
