OECD Report 'Wake-Up Call' For Government

The findings of the latest OECD report highlighting the affect of childcare costs on families has been described as a "wake-up call" for the government.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy claims that the report, due to be published later this month, presents "clear evidence" of the urgent need for increased support for parents "who are trying to return to or remain in the workplace."

"We know that families face staggering bills on a monthly basis for childcare and the annual cost of full-time childcare for two children is over €16,000 a year," Deputy Troy said.

Adding: "I am not surprised that the OECD’s finding that these costs are now a major barrier to parents getting back into the workplace.

Mr Troy said that with over 400,000 households with children under the age of 10, and almost 270,000 of which have children under 5 years of age, "childcare is a huge portion of household budgets".

Fianna Fáil is calling for a new childcare package from the government that would include a tax break for working families to help with the cost of childcare.

Deputy Troy said: "Unless the issue of childcare costs is addressed, particularly for lower income families, we will see a much greater number of children being cared for by unregulated childminders.

"Only 1% of childminders nationally are regulated and subject to inspection. The remainder operate without qualifications, Garda vetting or inspection. We need to ensure that crèches and pre-schools, which are regulated, are affordable options for more families. The government needs to be much more proactive and bring forward positive proposals that will have a meaningful impact for parents across the country."

(MH)