TD calls for local authorities to provide childcare places

A GOVERNMENT TD yesterday called for local authorities to be forced to set aside funds to provide childcare places for working parents.

In a Private Members Bill, Fianna Fáil TD Barry Andrews outlined how councils could ring-fence money paid by developers in levies to cover the cost of creches and child minders.

“Childcare is one of the greatest challenges facing young families, with costs amounting to a second mortgage for many parents,” he said.