Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Irish parents pay the highest childcare costs in Europe, according to IBEC. In fact, they pay three times more than those in any other European country. Fair play to the Government. The Minister can make a difference today. Outside in the rural areas people must now travel further to get childcare spots. What does his Government do? It takes the extra tax on the fuel increase. People are paying exorbitant ESB costs for their childcare. What does the Government do? It gets 13.5% VAT plus a levy and standing charges on ESB costs. As the price goes up, the Government's margin goes up. That is what it does. It is not giving anything back to anyone. It is actually taking it from them and giving them back a portion of what they are giving it. The tax regime in this country is completely wrong. The Government loves inflation. Inflation causes more pressure on small providers that are looking after our children and grandchildren and the Government cannot see this. It is taking everything from the people. Regardless of whether people live in a city or the countryside the Government is taking tax off every service. It is creaming off the top. Government takes and takes and takes. It gives back a portion of what it is taking and yet it is trying to create a feel-good factor.

The next generation will not forgive this Government and this generation will not forgive its members for their lack of understanding of how to support the people who put them in their seats. Nobody will forget it. Neither our children nor our grandchildren will forget what this Government has put this country through.

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