Childcare costs continue to be far too expensive – Kathleen Funchion TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has demanded urgent action from government to address the ludicrous fees parents are paying for full time childcare across the state.

An analysis published by The Irish Independent shows parents in some parts of the country are paying a whopping €1,578 per child per month for full time day care.

Deputy Funchion said: “The government must call an election now. It’s time for change. Childcare fees are far too high. Families are struggling to afford them. The government have clearly failed to get to grips with this crisis. This latest data suggests that fees have risen in some parts of the country, despite core funding and assurances from government they are addressing sky high fees.

“Clearly their policies are failing. Families feel badly let down by government. Today’s figures come on the back of increased excise prices on petrol, rising rents and high mortgage costs. Families are to the pin of their collar and need a break from the cost of living crisis.

“I criticised at the time the government’s decision to delay the 25 per cent cut to fees by twelve months in Budget 2024 last October. It is abundantly clear to everyone, with the exception of the  government, that childcare costs are far too high and are absolutely crippling families. Firstly, parents struggle to secure a place and secondly struggle to be in a position to afford it.

“Hard-pressed families need action now. I again am calling on 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.”