Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 2 July 2025, if a tax rebate or any other financial support can be given to parents with children in childcare centres that are not signed up to the core funding model, resulting in higher fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38333/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government acknowledges the continuing cost pressures on parents, particularly those with young children. In recognition of these cost pressures, a number of support measures are in place to ease the burden on working parents. These include various tax-exempted child-care related supports provided by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and measures such as the Working Family Payment provided by the Minister for Social Protection.

Decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time. However, and as the Deputy will appreciate, I receive many requests for the introduction of new tax reliefs and the extension of existing ones. In considering these, I must be mindful of the public finances and the many demands on the Exchequer and I must have regard to budgetary constraints and the equitable treatment of all taxpayers.