Parents counting the costs of childcare

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen got it in the neck on Budget Day from organisations such as SIPTU, the National Women’s Council and the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI) for neglecting the childcare issue.

Looking at the figures, it is easy to see why.

SIPTU, for example, had argued a minimum tax credit for parents of €80 a month was necessary to offset childcare costs.