Proposed Childcare Subsidies will Boost Female Labour Market Participation

Commenting on the proposed introduction of subsidised childcare in Budget 2017, Ian Talbot Chief Executive Chambers Ireland said, “We welcome the news that increased childcare funding by the State is being considered for Budget 2017. The cost of childcare is a significant portion of the cost of living for parents and has many far reaching implications for families and businesses. More affordable access to childcare will have positive implications for female labour market participation and benefit families and businesses across the country.

In our Pre-Budget 2017 submission Chambers Ireland recommended that Government provide direct subsidies to childcare providers. We are pleased that Government is now considering higher levels of investment in childcare and early childhood education and we recommend that with this increase in funding Government ensures a greater emphasis on standards and on educational quality levels within the childcare sector. Subsidies must be related to predefined quality standards in order to ensure the best outcomes for children.”

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For further information contact Susan McDermott, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4331, 086 6081605 or email susan.mcdermott@www.chambers.ie. 

Notes to Editor:

Chambers Ireland pre-Budget 2017 submission can be viewed here

Our key Childcare asks are:

  • There must be greater emphasis on the quality of childcare. Government should focus on educational quality levels within the childcare sector and make subsidies conditional upon educational quality standards being met.
  • Lack of access to after-school services for children needs to be addressed. We would like to see a national policy developed to ensure the effective provision of accessible after-school care. This should involve using facilities of public schools.
  • We recommend that Government provide direct subsidies to the providers of child and afterschool care in the form of capitation grants. These subsidies should be based on household income.

Chambers Ireland – Ireland’s largest business network creating the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally.

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