Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Last year, the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, said he wanted to halve childcare fees over two budgets. Given that he is the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, with the power to slash fees, there was an assumption that he was serious about that promise to parents. It started out well, with an average 25% reduction last year, but cracks have appeared in the commitment. In June, the Taoiseach cast doubts on whether fees would be cut by 50%. Last month, the Irish Examinerreported the Minister was also wavering on the pledge. Yesterday, the media were again being briefed that it was unlikely the full 50% cut would be delivered. Why do senior Ministers view promises to parents as non-binding? Instead of being focused on cutting fees, Ministers seem more concerned with trying to manage expectations down. Perhaps the Tánaiste could provide some clarity here today. A commitment was given last year. Does that commitment now lie in shreds?

Instead of reneging on promises to parents, the Government should be trying to do more. The Social Democrats have proposed a radical reform which would result in paid parental leave being extended for the first 12 months of a baby's life. This would mean an additional 12 weeks of paid leave, split between parents. Not only that, but we would increase the rate of maternity, paternity, parental and adoptive leave benefit from €262 per week to €350 per week. This is a measure that would make a huge difference to parents who can struggle financially when a new baby is born, especially if their employer does not top up maternity or paternity benefit.

New parents should be entirely focused on spending and enjoying this important time with their babies not worrying about bills. We know that about 45% of women do not receive a top-up from their employer when they take maternity leave. This can leave a huge hole in family finances at a very expensive time. Perhaps this explains why fewer than 50% of fathers take the meagre two weeks of paternity leave that they are entitled to.

Should I wait until the Tánaiste is finished talking?

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