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20/02/2014
Govt Urged To Invest In Childcare
The government has been urged to invest in quality, accessible and affordable child care.
Speaking today during a debate on childcare at the Dáil Committee on Health and Children, Deputy Sandra McLellan, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Arts, Heritage, Sport & Tourism said: "Consecutive governments have failed to address childcare provision. This State still has one of the lowest rates of childcare provision in the EU. The government spends 0.4% of GDP on childcare, well below the international recommendation of 1%. As a consequence, this state has the second most expensive childcare in the OECD.
"According to the report presented today to the Dáil committee by the Donegal County Childcare Committee, childcare costs almost 45% of the average disposable income of a double-income family. It has become the ‘second mortgage’. Many families on lower incomes either cannot get childcare at all, or must pay a disproportionate amount of their income on massive weekly childcare bills.
"Research shows tax breaks are not the answer. The solution is to invest in childcare. There is an urgent need to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for childcare provision.
(MH/CD)
Speaking today during a debate on childcare at the Dáil Committee on Health and Children, Deputy Sandra McLellan, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Arts, Heritage, Sport & Tourism said: "Consecutive governments have failed to address childcare provision. This State still has one of the lowest rates of childcare provision in the EU. The government spends 0.4% of GDP on childcare, well below the international recommendation of 1%. As a consequence, this state has the second most expensive childcare in the OECD.
"According to the report presented today to the Dáil committee by the Donegal County Childcare Committee, childcare costs almost 45% of the average disposable income of a double-income family. It has become the ‘second mortgage’. Many families on lower incomes either cannot get childcare at all, or must pay a disproportionate amount of their income on massive weekly childcare bills.
"Research shows tax breaks are not the answer. The solution is to invest in childcare. There is an urgent need to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for childcare provision.
(MH/CD)
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Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
