FF focuses on childcare policy ahead of election

Tax credits for working parents and state-paid subventions for private creches are among proposals for childcare support set to be launched at this week’s Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, leader Micheál Martin outlined the plans and also addressed recent criticism from party TDs. He said there would be no walk out or “hoof” and that TDs had agreed to remain united until after the general election.

Mr Martin said childcare would be “a central piece” for the party at the conference, into the next election and for the next five years.

The proposals, launched by TD Robert Troy, include:

• Tiered tax credits for parents working 25 hours or more a week. Those earning less would benefit greatest and would pay less tax after paying bills for a childminder or childcare facility.
• Expanding subventions for low-paid parents who go to registered private-service providers where there is no community scheme.
• Extending maternity benefit and increasing capitation grants for childcare services where staff have greater qualifications.

Mr Martin added: “The most fundamental thing is to prioritise above other changes in taxation and that means enabling and giving relief to families to be in a position to afford childcare. Affordability is a big issue.

“Grandparents are now at the centre stage in terms of looking after children. Providers need greater support as well… There’s also the career pathway. Many people are coming out of college with degrees in childcare and early childhood education but they’re not getting a living wage in the sector.”

Mr Martin also spoke about recent criticism, including from Éamon Ó Cuív, who said Fianna Fáil was facing “demise” after a number of worrying opinion polls. “I’ve met with members of the parliamentary party and they’re on board. There is no hoof. People who are mentioned are not seeking to undermine my position as leader.”

He said he had been fair in taking criticism and letting people speak out.

“There’s a balance to be struck and, fundamentally, we’re in the home stretch to the election. Across the country, there is intensive competition developing within the party in terms of selection conventions, which creates its own tensions.”

He and Mr Ó Cuív held a meeting recently where they discussed policies and every constituency, said Mr Martin. He also outlined how TDs and senators had agreed at a recent meeting to dissuade from any more infighting or internal criticism.

“I made my point at the parliamentary party in terms of absolutely having unity of purpose, coherence as of from now into the next election, and that is accepted.”

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