Unions call for childcare tax relief

Special tax relief on childcare costs is urgently needed to assist working parents, union chiefs claimed today.

Rosheen Callender, SIPTU national equality secretary, called on Finance Minster Brian Cowen to use his debut Budget to bring in a minimum tax credit of €20 a week to aid mothers and fathers.

The union rep told delegates at the regional conference in Waterford fair and fast action was needed to ease the crisis.

“We cannot reiterate too strongly the urgent need for a system of tax relief that provides real assistance to working parents, in a manner which is fair to all,” she said.

SIPTU claimed childcare cost parents at least €150 a week per child – much more in certain areas where people commute long distances.

Ms Callender said the Government should ensure 20% of taxpayers got relief on the first €250 of costs.

But she claimed the union’s long-standing demand for action on childcare was not confined to tax relief and equity.

She pointed to major concerns in relation to access, availability and quality of childcare, as well as its affordability.

“High childcare costs and the lack of a developed childcare system are now forcing some out of the workforce,” Ms Callender said.

“And bodies such as the OECD and the EU have been warning the Irish Government about the adverse economic consequences of this.”

The union added they were no longer a lone voice on the issue after both IBEC and the Chamber of Commerce warned about the threat of expensive childcare.

“We only hope that the combination of voices, both national and international, will be heard by those now framing the detail of Budget 2005,” Ms Callender concluded.