7 December 2015
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Sinn Fein TD and Children’s Spokesperson Sandra McLellan (East Cork) has given the Childcare Amendment Bill a qualified welcome, saying that while “it is a step in the right direction, it is not without its flaws.”
Speaking on the passing of the Childcare Amendment Bill in the Dáil last week, the East Cork TD said:
“Although I have stated that the Bill is welcome and that Sinn Féin will not be opposing it as it is a step in the right direction, it is not without its flaws. Why would one put resources into developing a plan that one does not have to implement?”
“This was in relation to wording within the document that seemingly will absolve the Child and Family Agency from being required to implement an aftercare plan if they deemed resources to be unavailable, which is in effect, a get out clause.
“The Deputy concluded by saying the she hoped “the Bill will be revisited at a later date to try to strengthen it and ensure an obligation of responsibility is met by the policy makers.”
