The coalition parties’ election promise of a €200 per month cap on childcare fees is looking hollower each passing day as discord spreads between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, according to Social Democrats children’s spokesperson Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly said:
“Families are paying an average of €190 a week for childcare while rival government children’s spokespersons quarrel over the delivery of the same election promise.
“It’s looking more and more likely that the Irish people were sold a lie in the lead up to November, with even the Fine Gael whip questioning the government’s commitment to making childcare affordable.
“The government has the power and the funds to reduce childcare to €200 per month but has shown no political will towards doing so in a hurry, despite exorbitant fees pushing more and more families into poverty with each passing day.
“I have continuously requested the formation of a special time-bound joint Oireachtas committee called Paistecare to map out the delivery of programme for government commitments on childcare and early years education – to date, this hasn’t happened.
“Young families are desperately struggling to get a childcare place for their children, hindering their ability to balance work and family life.
“For those who do manage to secure childcare, they face sky-high fees, putting a huge strain on family finances – the effects of the cost of living crisis are bad enough without having to pay enormous sums just to be able to work.
“Throughout the election, the Tánaiste was adamant that we need a public model of childcare – there’s not a peep out of him now on if or when this will be delivered.
“In April, I wrote to the Taoiseach, Chief Whip and Minister for Children to urge them to consider the formation of a Paistecare committee to decide a vision of delivering a public model of childcare that works for parents, children and childcare workers, but my request was denied.
“The solutions to this crisis are looking the government in the face – a lack of political will is the only reason families are charged outrageous prices for childcare.”
June 26th, 2025