The government must provide clarity on its plan to reduce childcare costs to €200 a month, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly, the party’s spokesperson for children, said:
“The government has promised to reduce childcare costs to €200 a month – but it is nowhere near meeting this commitment.
“Many families are being forced to pay hundreds of euro more than that every month, all the while there are families all over the country who find it almost impossible to even secure a childcare place.
“The commitment to roll out a public model of childcare, and reduce costs to €200 per month, must be more than electioneering – it must become a reality.
“As a member of the Children and Equality committee, I’ll be proposing that this issue forms the basis of a special Oireachtas committee on early years education and childcare.
“It’s time for the idea of Páistecare – this would be the equivalent to what Sláintecare is for the healthcare system in Ireland.
“There is a lack of vision when it comes to the future of early years education and childcare from this government.
“The Programme for Government mentions vague measures to tackle costs but ignores the real issue of recruitment and retention, as well as that of capacity.
“Páistecare can be a cross-party plan that would see a public model of childcare developed and implemented across the country.
“This radical reform will incorporate best practice and ensure children and workers have the best possible outcomes.
“Everybody must now come together to finally address the issues in early years education and childcare and design a truly affordable and accessible model.”
14th May, 2025