Quality Childcare Essential for the Reconciliation of Family and Work Life

Childcare facilities must be developed to assist parents with the reconciliation of family and working life, said Cork North Central Deputy Billy Kelleher. "We must strive to facilitate women and men who have childcare responsibilities while accessing training, education and employment. There are a number of key issues that must be addressed," said Deputy Kelleher.
They include: the provision of extra spaces in local crèches and in the workplace, speedy planning consideration of applications by crèches, and tax relief for parents. "I am concerned that some crèches may have increased their fees considerably in recent months, as a result of having to comply with the health and safety regulations, as set out in the 1996 Child Care Act. This has put additional pressure on parents, who are already stretched with the demands of meeting mortgages" stated Deputy Kelleher.
He added that "women in particular, are being forced out of the workplace when the labour force so badly needs their skills." "The issue of achieving top quality, affordable childcare is fast reaching a crisis situation, and I believe that the Government should look to other countries to examine how they have addressed this pressing need. In Finland for example, all childcare is subsidised and regulated by the state. Daycare is provided by the municipality at nominal cost to the parents - or parents can choose private daycare with a childminder, also at nominal cost. In Finland, parents pay a maximum of about £133 per month compared to up to £400 approx. a month here" said the Cork North Central Deputy. "The provision of quality childcare is essential in assisting the reconciliation of family and work life. The state should provide the necessary resources to meet this demand, and thereby alleviate some of the pressure from pressurised parents" he concluded.
25/06/1999