PRESS RELEASE

21/09/2005

Real policy changes must follow €43m for Cork crèches - Kelleher

There is a real need to recast family and childcare policies to make them more supportive of families in today’s expanding labour market - despite the €43 million in Government funding Cork has so far received for community-based not-for-profit crèches.

That is according to Cork North-Central Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher who said figures obtained from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform show that the Government to date has spent €43,226,513 on community-based not-for-profit childcare facilities in the county.

‘That is a truly massive investment in childcare facilities in Cork. Combined with our generous child benefit pay-outs, it puts us well ahead of many other countries when it comes to supporting families with young children.

‘In the past few months, for example, Mayfield Community Preschool got €24,500 and Mayfield Integrated Community Development Project Ltd received €94,822. The Young Women’s Group, meanwhile, secured grants totalling €284,000,’ said the Dillon’s Cross-based Fianna Fáil TD, who is the deputy Government chief whip.

He said despite unprecedented Government investment in childcare facilities there was a need to shift the policy focus towards subsidising parents for early care and education and lengthening parental leave periods.

‘My fear is that some women could be forced out of the labour force due to high childcare costs. By the end of last year, the number of women at work in Ireland exceeded 800,000 for the first time - an increase of over 220,000 women since 1997. They should have a choice about whether they wish to stay at home or join the labour force.

‘Incrementally, we need to introduce Government subsidies to help defray crèches costs and accelerate current efforts to provide more childcare places. Paid maternity, paternity and parental leave should be gradually increased to allow mothers and fathers to spend more time with their children,’ said Deputy Kelleher.

He said he will press central Government at all levels to keep delivering investment in childcare facilities in Cork and to support families whose needs must be central to good policy-making.