Government still ‘failing families’ on childcare – Clarke

Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke has accused the government of “continuing to fail families” through what she has described as its ongoing failure to address sky-rocketing childcare fees despite being in power for a year.

“Childcare costs are far too high and are simply unaffordable for families on ordinary incomes,” Deputy Clarke said, stating that the sector needs proper funding.

“This time last year in their Programme for Government, the coalition announced a series of promises to reform the childcare sector.

“We are now a year on and not only have childcare fees not fallen, but they have actually risen even further.

“This failure is letting down families here in Longford Westmeath who are faced with monthly fees per child of €689.39 in Longford and €765.31 in Westmeath.

“Families with more than one child in full-time childcare must meet an even more significant financial burden on a monthly basis. Families urgently need childcare fees to go down.

“Parents in Longford Westmeath are struggling to cope with sky-rocketing childcare fees and change needs to happen urgently.

“The government has dismally failed working parents who need affordable childcare in their first year. Families are crying out for this crisis to be addressed, but the government isn’t listening.”

Deputy Clarke said that the consequences of the childcare “crisis” are clear: “Many parents want to return to work but cannot afford to and so leave their jobs or reduce their hours to stay at home with their children instead,” she said.

“This particularly affects women, who often feel forced to drop out of the workforce, and this deepens inequality in our society.”

Deputy Clarke said that Sinn Féin in government would prioritise tackling the cost of childcare.

“We would take on the cost of staff wages, so that fees would go down for parents. This would reduce fees by one third within the first year and then by two thirds over five years. This would be a crucial investment in our children’s futures,” she said.

“Childcare should be affordable and it should be accessible locally. It’s a place where children go to learn, develop and grow – that’s why it’s vital we get it right.

“As they mark one year of being in government, the coalition marks a year of failing to act on the childcare crisis. There can be no more delays. They must act and reduce childcare fees to give families a much-needed break.”