Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with my party colleagues Deputies Cronin, Seán Crowe and Mythen.

It is essential to have proper childcare services available because of the beneficial impacts they have throughout society. Childcare benefits everyone, even those who do not directly use or have a need for such services. In light of the negative impact a lack of childcare can have on parents, employers, communities and children themselves, we can see how important it is to society as a whole. Childcare services come in many forms and include childminders, preschools, after-school clubs, crèches and so on. They are a part of parents' and children's lives from early on, when the child is a baby, until he or she is old enough to attend school. It has been shown high-quality childcare increases the opportunities each child will have to improve his or her quality of life. This is especially important with regard to disadvantaged children who come from poorer homes with fewer opportunities. Childcare provides young children with a great foundation in life, and it has been shown that high-quality childcare can have a positive impact on both the learning and the emotional and social development of the child, enabling him or her to build healthy relationships.

Families have many reasons for using childcare. It is essential for those families where, for example, both parents work outside of the home. Some parents might need to place their child in childcare because they would like to continue their studies. Childcare is important for the local and national economy, given it allows more parents, and in particular mothers, to work. Investment in good-quality childcare, therefore, will benefit children, parents and the wider community. The value and benefits of childcare are clear, yet a UNICEF report of last year showed Ireland is among the most expensive countries for childcare in the world. The report found a couple with an average income will have to spend between one third and one half of one salary to pay for two children in childcare. Childcare in Ireland is just not affordable for many people. In fact, the high cost is forcing many women out of paid employment. Childcare was expensive before the latest rise in the cost of living, given the rapid escalation in the cost of fuel, rents and energy, but for many it is now a debilitating cost on an income that, as each week passes, has less and less purchasing power. For many of those on low incomes, the costs have put childcare beyond reach.

The motion seeks to cut childcare fees for parents by two thirds and help all those families facing high childcare costs. I hope all parties will support it and help give struggling families the break they deserve.

See this speech in context