Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleague, Deputy Funchion, for bringing this urgent issue before the House. Ordinary workers and families who are already struggling to make ends meet in this cost-of-living crisis are being further battered by increasing and unaffordable childcare costs. Families are already reeling from the effects of multiple mortgage hikes and ever-increasing food and energy bills. Let us not forget the Government's recent increase in petrol and diesel prices.

Childcare costs are as much as rent or mortgage payments. Families simply cannot afford them. A lot of parents, mainly women, are either forced to leave the workforce or cannot contemplate joining it. They then end up rejecting career opportunities because they cannot afford the cost of childcare. Deputy O'Reilly mentioned that to the Minister.

The Government made a promise in budget 2024 that fees would be reduced by 25%. It must stick to that promise. All childcare providers, public and private, must be supported to remain viable. In my constituency, Kildare South, I am aware of many childcare facilities that will be forced to close if the Minister does not take action.

The childcare workforce has been diminished due to poor pay and conditions. This has been very apparent in Kildare South, where many childcare facilities cannot get the workers needed to staff their services. Sinn Féin's detailed and fully costed plan would see childcare fees cut by two thirds, giving families much needed breathing space while also making a huge investment in our children's future and allowing parents peace of mind regarding their children's care.

I urge all Deputies in this House to support Sinn Féin’s motion.

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