A system in crisis 

Ireland’s childcare system is at breaking point. It is simply not working; not for women, not for children, not for providers and not for society.  

But it doesn't have to be this way. Together for Public is a new campaign alliance for a Public System of Early Childhood Education and Care. Led by the National Women's Council, we have brought together key actors in this area, including women’s groups, children’s rights groups, academics, trade unions and anti-poverty groups.

The Alliance is calling on all political parties to pledge to deliver a Public System of Early Childhood Education and Care in their General Election manifestos and as a core part of the next Programme for Government.

A key issue for equality 

Early Education and Care is a key issue for equality. We know that where a public system has been implemented, women are much more likely to participate fully in society, be that in the workplace, in education, in arts and sports, and in politics.

Children and early years workers also benefit enormously.

Our vision for a public system 

A public system guarantees a place for every child, through legisation, similar to our primary school system.

This public system 

• Is not for profit, all investment directly benefits children's education and care. 
• Starts whenever the parents need it and includes school aged childcare. 
• Is of high quality, accessible and available to all children, including children with additional needs, children living in rural areas and children in disadvantaged areas.
• Ensures decent pay and working conditions for early years educators.
• Provides flexibility and choice for parents and allows in particular women to participate fully in society.
• Combines public childcare provision with better paid and longer family leave, giving parents real choices in terms of caring for their children and work life balance.

How we will get there 

Together for Public engages with politicians and political parties to remind them of their promises during the last General Election in relation to public childcare. We advocate for a clear commitment to transition to a public system of early childhood education and care during the next political term and in the new Programme for Government. 

How to support us 

Sing up for updates and support our campaign actions.

Make a donation: This is a grassroots campaign with no government funding. The size of the campaign we run will depend on the level of support we can get from people like you.

Share your story of the childcare crisis: Let us know what impact the childcare crisis is having on your life, the choices you have had to make and your vision for a better future. 

Members of our Alliance 

Over 40 organisations have aready joined our alliance. 

• AkiDwA
• Amal Women Ireland
• Aoibhneas Domestic Support for Women and Children   
• AONTAS
• ASTI
• Childhood Development Initiative (CDI)
• Community Platform
• Community Work Ireland (CWI)
• Creative Kids Early Learning Centre
• DCU Early Childhood Research Centre
• Energy Services Union
• European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)
• Family Resource Centre National Forum
• Financial Services Union
• Fórsa
• Friends of the Earth
• Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)
• Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA)
• Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU)
• Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO)
• Irish Network Against Racism (INAR)
• Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO)
• Irish Traveller Movement
• Kildinan Preschool
• Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services
• Mens Development Network
• Migrants Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI)
• National Women’s Council (NWC)
• One Family
• Pavee Point
• Plé (Irish Association of Academics in Early Childhood Education and Care)
• Saoirse Domestic Violence Services
• SIPTU Early Years Union
• Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP)
• SPARK (Single Parents Acting for the Rights of Kids)
• StartBright Early Learning Centres
• Treoir
• Union of Students in Ireland (USI)
• Unite the Union
• Women For Election
• 221+