National Women's Council wants public childcare model to be part of October Budget

The council said the lack of affordable childcare is the biggest barrier to women’s equal participation in society, including in the labour market.

The introduction of a public childcare model, a €25 increase in social welfare payments and funding to tackle gender violence must be included to support women in the upcoming Budget, according to the National Women's Council (NWC).

Calling for a public childcare model ahead of Budget 2024, the NWC has said a not-for-profit childcare system is the best way to increase women’s equal participation in society.