Govt Urged To Acknowledge Value Of Stay At Home Parents

The government has been urged to restore payments and qualifying levels for stay at home parents, especially to one parent families who have faced "savage cuts" over recent years.

Sinn Féin Senator Máire Devine made the call following a recent study released by Royal London Insurance Company, which said the value of work carried out by stay at home parents in Ireland is close to €42,000 per year and is undervalued by €20 - €30,000 on average per parent.

Commenting on this study, Senator Devine called on the government "to acknowledge the value of Stay at Home parents to the State, to children growing up and to society in general".

"In Ireland, where there is such an emphasis on joining the workforce but in most cases into precarious, low paid and uncertain work which disrupts family life and children's development with little income benefit in broad terms. This survey proves that respect should be given to stay at home parents and not the age old stereotype that they are a burden on the State," Senator Devine said.

"The other failure of this State is the lack of adequate childcare facilities in which children can be placed and provided with a similar developmental experience as in the family home. We have been promised a Scandinavian model of childcare for so long, yet it seems as far away as ever.

"In light of the upcoming budget, I am calling on the Government to restore payments and qualifying levels particularly to One Parent families who faced savage cuts over recent years. Also, a refocus is needed on childcare facilities and policies in Ireland.

"Lastly, I want to acknowledge the work and commitment of stay at home parents throughout Ireland and thank them for the benefit they provide to society."

(MH/LM)