Working parents left waiting for childcare package

WORKING parents who were expecting a childcare bonanza from this year’s estimates were left waiting yesterday on the promise that a substantial package would be unveiled on Budget day.

Finance Minister Brian Cowen revealed that children’s allowance would be increased on budget day and that this increase would be separate from his planned investment in childcare.

The department of justice also announced a 23% increase in their spend on the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme next year.