State ‘must invest in childcare to support women’
The organisation says the introduction of tax relief for working parents would be “totally inequitable” and says research shows the best models of child support are publicly funded.
“The issue is not that childcare is exceptionally expensive, but it’s the complete lack of State investment that’s notable,” Orla O’Connor, the council’s head of policy, said. “We need to move into a situation where the State invests in childcare in the same way as it does in education.”
Such a publicly funded strategy would provide support to all parents at a minimal cost, allowing parents the option of working or returning to education.
A report by the Forum on the Workplace of the Future found childcare costs here are the highest in Europe and are keeping many women out of the workforce. Of 15 countries evaluated in terms of the supports provided to enable parents work outside the home, Ireland was ranked last. Denmark, Sweden and Finland topped the table.
The report shows Irish parents pay, on average, 20% of their annual income towards childcare, compared to just 12% in other European countries.
“The lack of childcare facilities and the cost are a real barrier to women’s entry into the workplace ... I think women do want to work, but they want to do it on their own terms,” Ms O’Connor said.
The NWCI says many women drop out of the workplace after having a second child and employers need to enforce more family friendly policies.
“This needs a radical approach which involves substantial investment in supply,” Ms O’Connor said. The organisation plans to publish research on state childcare models in May.
Childcare providers, meanwhile, have warned the high cost of childcare not only impacts on the economy, but causes hardship to families and restricts children’s development.
“It’s not just about having more women available for the workforce, but having early education for children and support for families, because the reality for many families is they need both parents working,” said Martina Murphy, spokesperson for the National Children’s Nurseries Association.
The NCNA supports the introduction of tax credits for working parents. “It’s the one thing this Government has consistently failed to address for families - in other countries there is government-subsidised or universal pre-school provision for children over the age of three,” Ms Murphy said.
A Department of Justice spokesperson said the Government had committed €499.3 million under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme.
“In relation to childcare costs, the Government has favoured the use of child benefit for this purpose as it is income neutral and affords parents choices with regards to the arrangements they make,” the spokesperson added.
