FF PLAN WILL INCREASE COST OF CHILDCARE – MCCARTHY

Fianna Fáil’s proposed childcare support credit is ill thought-out, limited and would have the opposite effect to delivering affordable childcare. Our young children deserve better as do the professionals that care for them.

Tax credits are not a guarantee of reduced costs for parents. International evidence shows that childcare services have used such credits as an opportunity to increase their fees.

Furthermore, it excludes those who work less than 25 hours a week – directly leaving teachers out of the equation. Do Fianna Fáil not believe teachers deserve decent childcare?

The advocacy group ‘Start Strong’ have said that the Fianna Fáil tax credit policy will fail to ensure quality, affordable care.

In contrast, ‘Start Strong’ and the National Women’s Council have commended the Labour Party’s proposals.

Labour’s progressive childcare plan includes the capping of childcare costs for parents at €4.25 per hour, or €170 per week; Labour will also progressively increase the state subsidy so that the cost parents pay is reduced to no more than €2 per hour by 2021.

We will also transform the quality of early years care and education with greater funding for providers with highly qualified staff.

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Contact Michael McCarthy at 0876481004