What women want – a Scandinavian childcare model

Published: Monday, September 07, 2015

Following extensive coverage in both national and local press over the weekend on Ireland’s current childcare crisis, the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) has today reiterated its calls for the introduction of a Scandinavian childcare model in Ireland.

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI said,
“Currently Ireland is spending between 0.2-0.4% of GDP which is significantly below the EU average of 0.7% and the UNICEF target of 1% of GDP. Every parent knows what these figures mean by now – for some parents, it means spending over 40% of their income on childcare. For others, mainly women, it means dropping out of the workforce.  While childcare costs in Ireland are between €800 - €1000 per child every month, for a full time place, Finnish childcare costs €283 per month in municipal crèches, while Norway caps the monthly cost of childcare at about £280 a month. The childcare costs are similar in France, Spain, Belgium and Germany, and quality standards are all higher than Ireland.”

Orla O’Connor continued,
“Delivery of essential infrastructure will require clear commitment to increase and ring fence spending over the next five years towards that 1% target. However, there is a difference between spending and investing. In order to deliver a childcare system which works for both mothers, children and families as a whole, Ireland needs to invest in and deliver Early Years infrastructure that is of high quality, affordable and accessible. Not only is this important for children and parents, it is crucial for our growth and development as a nation.”

“Budget 2016 is a critical opportunity to make a difference to mothers and children. To end the current childcare crisis, we much see childcare fees capped for all parents. Currently this would be €180 per week for a full time childcare place based on ECCE subsidization. The Government must also announce a subsidisation scheme so that childcare costs will be reduced for all parents, based on a sliding scale according to income, with those on lowest income receiving full subsidization and the maximum parental contribution set at 40% of childcare costs. This scheme could be introduced over three Budgets with a 20% subsidy in Budget 2016.”

Orla O’Connor concluded
“For those who say we cannot afford to invest in a Scandinavian childcare model, we say we cannot afford not to.  For parents in Ireland, having affordable childcare seems beyond reach whereas for parents in Scandinavia this has been the norm for decades. The Irish childcare model is not the norm, your childcare bill amounting to a second mortgage is not the norm, varying quality standards is not the norm. A Scandinavian childcare model is within our grasp. Women in Ireland want, need, deserve affordable, quality childcare without any more delays or excuses.”

/Ends

For more information, please contact Sarah Clarkin, Communications Officer, 085 8619087