NWC calls for funding for early childhood education and mother and baby unit in pre-budget proposal

Government must invest in public services, says NWC director Orla O'Connor

Thu, 10 Jul, 2025 - 00:05

Martin Claffey

The National Women's Council (NWC) has called on the Government to invest an additional €300m into early childhood education and care in Budget 2025.

In its pre-budget submission the NWC called on the Government to seize the opportunity to deliver universal, inclusive public services that support women "as part of a new feminist economic model that prioritises care for people and planet and creates an Ireland for all."

Other proposals by the NWC include the establishment of Ireland’s first mother and baby unit ; the extension of the fuel allowance to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment and to implement minimum BER for rented properties; tackling violence against women, and the provision of 250 more refuge units, especially in counties with no available refuges, and supports for long-term.

“At a time when unprecedented economic resources are available to Government, now is the time to invest in a way that betters the lives of women in Ireland. Budget 2026 must clearly do that by investing in public services," said NWC director Orla O’Connor.

“Despite repeated commitments by Government, Ireland still lacks a dedicated mother and baby unit for women needing inpatient mental health care after childbirth. Budget 2026 must deliver on the capital funding necessary to establish this essential service.

“Violence against women continues to be at epidemic levels, and access to refuges and long-term accommodation is a significant barrier for many victim-survivors. Budget 2026 must have strong budgetary commitments to provide more refuge units – particularly in counties that currently have no available refuges – and provide supports for long term housing for victim-survivors.”