Survey: Childcare issues paramount in run-up to election

Childcare is a major issue as the general election approaches, according to a survey by RecruitIreland.com.

A significant 72% of respondents said their votes would be influenced by the availability of affordable childcare, while 66% said the current Government has performed ‘poorly’ or ‘very poorly’

Sixty-three per cent of respondents said they would change employment and take a pay cut in order to access crèche facilities in their place of work.

Nationally, just 11% of respondents get to spend in excess of hours hours per working day with their children. In Dublin that figure falls to just 5%.

Aoife Curtin of RecruitIreland.com said: “Childcare is obviously a loaded issue for parents and it looks as if it’s going to be a key issue in the next election.

“However, it also poses wider questions for society, particularly as parents are not getting to spend time with their children during their normal workdays.

“In addition the stress, both financial and emotional, brought on by the lack of affordable childcare facilities is one that everyone should take notice of.

“The issue of affordability was highlighted by many respondents to our survey with many people feeling that they cannot afford to have children, given the costs involved.”