PDs want childminders to get €8,000 tax relief

CHILDMINDERS should be allowed care for up to five children in their own homes and be guaranteed €8,000 a year in tax relief, the Progressive Democrats said yesterday.

Launching the second half of the party’s childcare strategy, markedly different in tone to Fianna Fáil’s, the junior Government partner said its five-point plan would reduce costs for parents and create more places.

Chief among their proposals is the PDs’ desire to regularise the situation of childminders in the home.