Madam, - While I welcome the PDs' adoption of elements of my document "A Solution to the Childcare Crisis", my wish is for that party or its partner in Government to do much more. When I presented the document to the Tánaiste and circulated it at the PDs' national conference in April 1999, it contained other key suggestions which have yet to be taken on board.
In summary my proposal was for a self-financing programme whereby carers could use their homes to provide childcare. All carers would be trained to IPPA, NCVA or other such standard. Subsidy would be given to each of these carers but a cap placed on charges. The State would recoup its investment with the release of parents for the workplace which might help us to gain competitiveness.
Childcare policy must be child-friendly and cost-effective and provide for those who wish to enter education as well as the workplace. - Yours, etc,
NIALL O'KEEFFE, Ballycotton, Co Cork.
Madam, - Always thankful for small mercies, I was glad to read that the Progressive Democrats have been thinking about childcare (The Irish Times, October 1st). However, it quickly became very clear that its big idea is €8,000 tax exemption for childminders and a relaxation of current regulations governing childcare provision.
Given that the majority of children are being cared for by home-based childminders, it is high time this issue was addressed; however, the proposal to relax the already minimal regulations is appalling. This kind of thinking is most certainly not remotely child-centred. It is the worst kind of macho and market-led thinking which, as well as failing to reflect the needs of children, leaves parents without the kind of support they have a right to expect in a democratic society.
The Progressive Democrats' spokesperson, John Minihan, is quoted as saying: "We don't believe in the nanny state. We want to give parents maximum choice and flexibility." Perhaps he needs to be reminded that parents also want high-quality childcare provided by well-trained and qualified childcare workers - something that won't happen without the State taking a leading role. - Yours, etc,
NOREEN BYRNE, Dublin 15.
Madam, - Dr Joanna McMinn, director of the National Women's Council of Ireland (October 3rd) proves John Waters right in his analysis of its childcare policy: "Sadly, the NWCI recognises that the reality for many women in Ireland is that they clearly do not have this choice and must remain in the home because of a lack of available quality and affordable childcare". Seemingly, sad because women must remain in the home. So the much vaunted cry for choice applies only to the choice to work?
No matter how many surveys are carried out, it will remain impossible to prove that children do not prefer to be cared for by their parents. What comes very much to mind nowadays is the communist system whereby parents were forced to work and children were raised by the State. Isn't this where we are heading?
Ireland has the highest number of house-owners in Europe. Where do we come in on the home-owners list? - Yours, etc,
Mrs MARY STEWART, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.