Government backtracks on childcare election promises
Labour’s Spokesperson on Children, Mark Wall TD, has slammed the Government for approving childcare fee hikes of nearly 20% for providers availing of Core Funding—just months after Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael committed to reducing costs to €200 per month in their election campaign.
Deputy Wall said:
“So many parents are already struggling to access and afford childcare, and any increase—no matter the circumstances—will come as a blow. Government cannot stand over a system where families are paying hundreds of euros every month, that’s when they can secure a place, while the State pours €1.3 billion into a mostly for-profit sector.
“Throughout the election campaign, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael made big promises about reducing childcare costs. Less than six months later, they are signing off on fee hikes instead of delivering on their commitments. This is a complete failure of leadership and an insult to parents who put their trust in these parties to take action.
“Parents need affordable, accessible childcare, and early years educators deserve decent pay and conditions. But this system isn’t working for anyone. Fees remain exorbitant, places are scarce, and the State is funnelling billions into a model that simply doesn’t work. Instead of approving price hikes, the Government should be working to deliver the publicly funded, high-quality childcare system Ireland so desperately needs. Labour has long called for real investment in childcare—one that ensures affordability for parents and fair pay for staff.
“I am calling on Minister Foley to honour her election promises and commit to reducing childcare costs to €200 per month. Families need urgent action, not empty rhetoric.”