Childcare tax breaks ‘may be a step in right direction’

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has not ruled out the possibility of introducing childcare tax breaks for struggling families, despite Children’s Minister James Reilly effectively rejecting the move last week.

Mr Varadkar believes the cost of creche and early years services will be an election issue as some parents, every year, are paying the equivalent of their annual mortgage bills for the vital support.

While noting the need for caution on the potential unintended consequences involved, he said the Government “would not rule out” tax breaks for these parents in a bid to help them with their financial needs.