Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The primary focus of the question is on where Ireland is in relation to other countries in terms of investment in childcare and, therefore, reducing the cost. It is a critical question. I support research that demonstrates that we are not yet there. That is really important as it helps me in my negotiations with the Government to increase the level of investment, even though, as I have indicated, it has increased by more than 80% in the past three years. It is also important for the ICTU and other advocates to identify that we still have a long way to go with our investment in order to reach what would be more appropriate levels when we compare Ireland with other countries in the OECD. The level of investment compares poorly with that in other European countries. The OECD average is 0.8%. The level of investment falls short of the UNICEF-recommended level of 1% of GDP. Every increase of 0.1% in public expenditure in Ireland, however, will cost an additional €300 million. That identifies the length of time involved. I am right in the middle of my negotiations with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, and determined to get as much as I can to deal with the issue this time around.

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