Plan for state-subsidised childcare could cover all costs for lower- income families

State-subsidised childcare, paid on a sliding scale, could cover all costs for lower- income families under budget negotiations being led by Minister for Children Katherine Zappone.

The minister confirmed yesterday a major five-year childcare plan was discussed by Cabinet ministers this week.

“We are considerably behind our OECD and European partners. We need to do something for affordability for all families. The plan will initially make it easier for a family to apply for their childcare needs according to their income,” she said.