ICTU report - Childcare a major plank for parties

The report published by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) yesterday is an ambitious plan and reflects contentious areas which need to be addressed by the Government.

The cost of their National Care Initiative, at €3.4 billion spread over five years, is not an inconsiderable amount, but it would seek to tackle problems relating to the care of children, elderly and disabled people.

ICTU is seeking paid parental leave for the first year of a child’s life; legislative reforms to support carers and enhance work life balance, as well as training to help women, disabled people and older people to join the workforce.

Childcare will undoubtedly be a major plank for all the political parties at the next General Election and already the Labour and Green Parties have published their proposals.

Next month a special Cabinet committee on social inclusion will discuss a range of options aimed at easing the burden of childcare.

It is politically expedient to make childcare an issue because of the vote potential it would reap, but the same may not be true of the other areas.

That is not to dilute the merits of the case ICTU makes to remedy appalling shortcomings, and the fact that it is an influential social partner will undoubtedly be a major factor in it being listened to.