Chartered accountants urge boost to childcare provision 

The professional institute said Government measures could go a long way to encourage more women, who face paying childcare bills of up to €2,000 a month, to join the labour force 

Better childcare provision would help ease shortages that are adding to price pressures and capacity constraints, said Chartered Accountants Ireland. Picture: PA

Vastly-improved childcare provision and housing measures would help ease the shortages that are adding to price pressures and capacity constraints weighing on the economy, Chartered Accountants Ireland has said. 

In a new policy document, the professional institute said Government measures could go a long way to encourage more women, who currently face paying childcare bills of up to €2,000 a month, to join the labour force, while incentives to builders could increase housing supply.   

"Easing cost pressures for developers and landlords to stimulate housing supply; giving certainty to workers on place of work and commuter costs in the tax system; building digital capabilities and resilience for businesses to succeed" were listed by the institute as measures in what it described as an open letter to Government.  

Brian Keegan of Chartered Accountants Ireland said its recommendations reflect members' experiences.

Brian Keegan, director of public policy at Chartered Accountants Ireland, said the document advanced "practical recommendations to help our economy thrive". 

"Our members have once again provided vital insights into the major societal and economic challenges that both businesses and employees are facing. Our recommendations reflect their experiences and realities," Mr Keegan said. 

Chartered Accountants has 33,000 members across the whole of Ireland.