Kildare TDs Must Act To Ease Cost Of Childcare Burden On Parents - Ryan

Monday, 2 October 2023 16:30

By Caoimhe Harney

Sinn Féin is calling for the government to cut the cost of childcare by two thirds from 2022 levels

Sinn Féin TD Patricia Ryan has called on TDs in Co Kildare to stand up for struggling households, and act to ease the cost-of-childcare burden on parents.

Speaking ahead of her party’s Dáil motion on the issue, brought forward by spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD.

Teachta Ryan commented: “Childcare fees are still far too high. Paying the equivalent of a second mortgage on childcare in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis with record energy costs and housing costs, is pushing many families to the brink.

“The government can and must act to ease the burden on parents, and I am calling on TDs in Co. Kildare to stand up for struggling households.

“The rising cost of living is making childcare a luxury rather than an economic necessity.

“Parents cannot avail of affordable childcare, and this is preventing women in particular, from entering the workforce and further education, and is in fact forcing them from the workforce

“Parents need affordable, local and high-quality childcare – and they need it now," she insisted

"They were promised that fees would decrease by 25% in budget 2024, and the government must keep its word.

“The reality is the 25% decrease in fees in budget 2023, while welcome, only slightly eased the financial burden on parents, given that many families continue to pay sky-high childcare fees.

“Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion, is calling for the government to give families a break by cutting the cost of childcare by two thirds from 2022 levels, and to allocate additional funding to provide fair pay for professionals working in the sector.

“I am urging the government, and TDs from all parties in Co. Kildare to support our motion this week, and to make childcare genuinely affordable for working families," she added.