Final talks under way on childcare supports in budget

Funding for affordable childcare for low-income families; paid paternity leave; and extending parental leave up to at least seven months are being considered as part of next week’s budget.

Final negotiations this week between Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin and ministers will determine how much of his €750m fund can go on childcare supports. This is separate from the €750m which will go on taxation measures.

Government sources confirmed that the coalition are “moving in the direction” of funding private facilities to allow an extra 25,000 low income families benefit from affordable childcare.