Unions critical of childcare package

TRADE union leaders said the childcare package was distinctly underwhelming and were also critical of the decision to retain tax reliefs for private hospitals.

“In effect, the minister appears to have taken a political decision to alienate as few people as possible, on the issue of childcare,” Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary David Begg said.

“This has resulted in the allocated resources being spread too thin. Childcare requires strategically targeted measures.