Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

Has the Government any plans to bring forward legislation regarding child care costs in this country? Child care costs in Ireland are the most expensive in Europe. For many families, this cost is the equivalent of a second mortgage. Ireland spends approximately one quarter of the amount spent by other countries on child care. In France, a person can access a child care place for approximately €200 per month. In parts of Dublin and elsewhere that cost is approximately €1,000 per month. Does the Taoiseach not see this as a burning issue for the Government? This was a huge issue in the election campaign, yet I have heard nothing about it since.

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