Survey further highlights need for investment in Early Years Strategy

Published: Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Following the confirmation in the Irish Independent/ Today FM Behaviour and Attitudes Survey  that one in four couples feel they are too poor to start a family, National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) is renewing calls for a multi-annual investment in the quality of provision of Early Childhood Care & Education.

Orla O’Connor, Director of National Women’s Council of Ireland said,
“Today’s survey puts facts on what women have been saying to NWCI over the years; it is a wake up call for the government. More than half of respondents said that childcare was a key concern, and this figure went up to two-thirds in lower income categories.”

Orla O’Connor also said,
“The absence of support for women to access affordable childcare prevents women from entering into employment and will prohibit economic recovery.  Public spending in childcare and early education in Ireland as a percentage of GDP are among the lowest in the OECD and childcare costs in Ireland are among the most expensive.”

Orla O’Connor concluded,
“The survey confirms that the current provision in Ireland is not working to facilitate parents, particularly women, in combining work and family life. The government must show its commitment to economic recovery by supporting more women in the workforce through investment in an affordable and accessible childcare model, paternity leave and family friendly polices.”

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For more information, please contact Sarah Clarkin, Communications Officer, National Women’s Council of Ireland, Tel. 085 858 9104.