Multi-billion euro plan to tackle childcare crisis

A MULTI-BILLION euro childcare plan to tackle the financial crisis crippling thousands of parents will be launched today by the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI).

The 10-year proposal would cost €1.7 billion a year when fully operational and would bring Ireland in line with the childcare funding provided by most European countries, NWCI head of policy Orla O’Connor said.

“Childcare costs here are among the highest in Europe and Irish parents receive the lowest level of support in meeting these costs,” Ms O’Connor said.