Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. We have seen the empirical evidence in recent years that Ireland has among the highest childcare costs in the OECD. Full childcare fees for children under three were estimated at €771 per month in 2019. Today it is nearer €800 per month, reaching almost €1,300 in some cities. Therefore, we in Sinn Féin want to increase public investment to allow childcare providers to reduce these by two thirds, including a reduction of one third in the first year.

Public investment is key to helping struggling parents, single parents and guardians. This should be backed up by legislation and contractual agreements with the relevant providers on condition providers reduce fees by two thirds over two years. The investment of an extra €267 million will allow children to be educated in a safe and friendly environment, reduce substantially out-of-pocket costs for hard-working families, give the early childcare learners the recognition the profession and the high level of skills involved deserve and guarantee an increase to at least the minimum wage and pro ratapayscales based on the Mercer report scales. Money invested in this way will benefit working families, especially working mothers, and create a better society based on a more inclusive and affordable childcare package. The financial relief and taking away the pressure of modern-day living is worth the price and is unquantifiable in family terms.

Childcare fees are far too high. Families are spending over €400 million on such fees. Something must be done. Workers in the sector need decent wages. We ask the Government parties to adopt our strategies in this motion and to act to protect struggling parents and guardians who face the highest cost of living and inflation increases in decades.

I thank Deputy Funchion for her work and dedication on this motion and hope it will be supported by as many Deputies as possible.

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