Labour plans to deliver 40% childcare subsidy

A SUBSIDY of up to 40% of the average cost of childcare and free pre-school education for three to four-year-olds are at the heart of the Labour Party’s revamped childcare policy.

The proposals, due to be unveiled at its conference in Kerry this weekend, include a pledge to deliver one year of paid parental leave which can be divided between both parents.

The payments would be based on the existing 18-week maternity leave model where a maximum of €249.00 is paid weekly to the mother by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Some employees maintain their full salary throughout leave due to individual employment contracts guaranteeing this right.