Budget 2017: Childcare subsidies ‘unfair, do not go far enough’

Mothers and creche operators have warned new childcare subsidies are stepping stones that do not go far enough.

All parents will see fees fall about €80 a month. The least well off — who use registered child minders or nurseries — will be in line for grants worth €8,000 from next September.

Teacher Ciara Olwill, living in the Liberties in Dublin , said there should have been a greater distinction from high earners. “I think it’s a stepping stone but it’s not enough,” she said. “The cost of childcare in this country is one of the highest there is. The €960 is roughly one month out of 12 of the childcare costs and one month is not enough, particularly for middle- and low-income earners.”