It’s time to make childcare affordable for all
Published: Tuesday, February 25, 2014
National Women’s Council of Ireland welcomes today’s news that Minister Frances Fitzgerald will, this year, facilitate a review of state investment to support parents who need childcare.
Orla O’Connor, Director of National Women’s Council of Ireland said,
“Women have been telling us for years that childcare is unaffordable and inaccessible. The current provision in Ireland is not working to facilitate parents, particularly women, in combining work and family life. Now that we are moving out of recession, we need to prioritise making childcare affordable for all.”
Orla O’Connor also said,
“As it stands, 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, with childcare currently costing anywhere between €800 and €1000 per month for a full time place. To maximise its return on investment in childcare, the government must introduce a second free pre-school year.”
Orla O’ Connor concluded,
“A second pre-school year is good for children and good for parents. In addition, paid parental leave is also critical to allow both parents balance caring for children with working life. Studies show that the absence of support for women to access affordable childcare prevents women from entering into employment and participating in all areas of life, which will prohibit economic recovery. Investment in early years will mean long term savings in the future.”
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For more information, please contact Sarah Clarkin, Communications Officer, National Women’s Council of Ireland, Tel. 085 858 9104.