Foley to push for 'start' in reducing childcare fees in budget 

Asked about childcare costs in Wicklow on Thursday, Tánaiste Simon Harris said there is 'a lot of moving parts' and that all 21 commitments in the programme for government needed to be 'knit together. File picture 

Children's Minister Norma Foley is pushing for "a start" to be made in lowering childcare costs in next week's Budget.

The programme for government commits to lowering childcare costs to €200 a month, and it is understood that Ms Foley is pushing for that to begin in Tuesday's Budget, though sources cautioned that changes could begin with those paying the highest monthly fees for creche places.

Sources said that a move towards the €200 per month figure needed to be made this year in order to ensure it could be achieved in the lifetime of this government.

Asked about childcare costs in Wicklow on Thursday, Tánaiste Simon Harris said there is "a lot of moving parts" and that all 21 commitments in the programme for government needed to be "knit together". 

He said that he had "an open mind" on whether this year should see more money put into creating more childcare spaces or lowering fees.

I have an open mind, and it's for the minister to bring forward her proposals as to whether you do more on capacity this year, more on fees this year, or a bit of both.

Sources also said that Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan will seek funding that would allow 1,000 gardaí a year be recruited, matching a programme for government commitment. 

It is also understood that Mr O'Callaghan is seeking funding for garda equipment such as body-worn cameras, more funding for immigration administration, and additional funding for domestic violence agency Cuan.

Meanwhile, negotiations are also looking at the possible expansion of the Living City Initiative, which offers tax reliefs against money spent refurbishing or converting residential or commercial properties.

At present, the initiative is restricted to regeneration areas in cities, including Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Waterford. Properties are required to be built before 1915.

However, it is understood changes to the age limit of the property are being considered.

Meanwhile, one minister described next Tuesday’s package as likely to be the “most boring budget” since they entered the Oireachtas.