Celbridge Family Hope For More Help For Working Parents In Upcoming Budget

Sunday, 29 September 2024 12:43

By Tara Flanagan

Image of Pascal O'Donohoe Photo Credit: Rolling News

At its height, they were paying €2000 in creche fees

The Reale Family in Celbridge, are hoping Tuesday Budget will help working parents.

Christine and Adriano Reale, in Celbridge, hope the cost-of-living supports will help reduce their costs as they struggle to juggle working full-time and caring for their three children, Arianna (10), Alessandro (7) and Stella (5) according to an article in "The Irish Independent".

Ms. Reale noted that while childcare costs peaked at nearly €2,000 a month, they’ve decreased as her kids have grown. However, the children’s allowance often only covers these expenses, with a proposed €10 increase still falling short.

She appreciates improvements in maternity and paternity leave but believes parental leave should come with salary support. "Families with multiple kids face high childcare and tax costs, often paying as much for childcare as their mortgage," she said.

The Reale family spends up to €1,100 monthly on groceries and invests heavily in sports and creative activities for their kids. Despite both parents working in a high tax bracket, there are no tax credits for childcare or children’s activities.

On a positive note, the free book scheme has reduced their back-to-school costs significantly. They’re hopeful for a hot meals programme at school to help with grocery expenses.

Living in an energy-efficient home, they still encounter high utility bills, but last winter’s government energy credits made a notable difference, and they hope for similar support in the future.