Parents not happy with Govt handling of childcare issue

A new survey suggests 75% of the population aren't impressed with the coalition's performance on the issue and say it will influence how they vote at the next election.

A new survey suggests 75% of the population aren't impressed with the coalition's performance on the issue and say it will influence how they vote at the next General Election.

Aoife Curtin of Recruit Ireland, which carried out the study, says working couples are still heavily relying on relatives because they can't afford to put their children in créches.

“More than three-quarters of respondents are spending more on their childcare than on their mortgage repayments,” said Miss Curtin.

“A lot of people are spending €700 or €800 a month on crèche facilities or some form of childcare facilities," she added.

The study suggests that 33% of people put their children into professional day care facilities such as crèches but just over half of those who responded are depending on family support for their childcare.