FF Accused Govt Of 'Failure To Act' On Childcare Crisis

The government has been accused of failing to take action on the "spiralling" costs of childcare.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on children, Robert Troy, said escalating creche and pre-school prices are forcing many parents to give up work because they can no longer afford "the extortionate costs".

Speaking ahead of a Fianna Fáil Private Members motion on the issue, Deputy Troy said: "Over the past four years, childcare costs have soared. Many families are paying the equivalent of a second mortgage on child-minding bills, with the average cost for two children standing at €16,500 a year.

"I have spoken to parents who are under extreme financial pressure and are worried about the implications of rising costs. The current situation is forcing some to consider leaving the workplace to look after their children and ease the financial burden.

"The current Government has done nothing to help hard working parents, or to encourage more parents back into the workplace. In fact, its unwillingness to tackle the issue has exacerbated an already difficult situation.

"Children's Minister James Reilly has already ruled out the possibility of a tax credit for working parents, without outlining any alternative proposals. Families across the country are being saddled with huge childcare costs without any reliefs at all.

"Fianna Fáil has put forward concrete proposals, which will not only assist low income families, but will also provide a tax credit for middle income earners. Parents should be supported if they choose to stay at work.

"They are not only providing for their children, they are contributing to the economic recovery."

(MH/JP)