Child care costs
Ruth Coppinger asks for legislation to reduce Ireland’s exceptionally high child care costs. The Taoiseach cites other family supports and says the Government is focused on the issue, but Coppinger says they do not address child care charges.
Has the Government any plans to bring forward legislation regarding child care costs in this country? Child care costs in Ireland are the most expensive in Europe. For many families, this cost is the equivalent of a second mortgage. Ireland spends approximately one quarter of the amount spent by other countries on child care. In France, a person can access a child care place for approximately €200 per month. In parts of Dublin and elsewhere that cost is approximately €1,000 per month. Does the Taoiseach not see this as a burning issue for the Government? This was a huge issue in the election campaign, yet I have heard nothing about it since.
Comment on this
Deputy Coppinger will be aware of the second preschool year now being made available, the increase in paternity benefits and the free access to GPs for children under six. These are elements that help in respect of dealing with the cost of rearing families these days.
Comment on this
They have nothing to do with child care costs.
Comment on this
The Government is very focused on this issue and I do not accept the Deputy's assertion.
Comment on this
Those issues have nothing to do with child care costs, in respect of which, obviously, the Government has no plans.