Parenting experts have warmly welcomed news that childcare savings worth hundreds of euro a month for cash strapped parents are on the way from government.
But the welcome has come with a warning that there may not be enough childcare staff or places in our creches to mind our children in the coming months.
Parent and campaigner Jen Hogan has also called for the welfare of low-paid workers in the industry to be protected.
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And she added that the proposed extra funding from the State must be matched with a “fees freeze.”
Parents are currently being crippled by the costs of childcare which are close to €800 a month per child in our larger towns and cities.
It is understood that the government is keen to address this in the coming months as the cost of living continues to soar and the Irish Mirror understands this would come in the form of supports “potentially” worth “hundreds a month.”
Ms Hogan told the Irish Mirror: “It’s a good sign, I hope we do see it, but the fact that we’ve heard mentions of a fees freeze too is a positive thing as it means any benefit won’t be eroded by a pay increase.
“I think we have a problem with the availability of childcare as well.
“I think that’s going to be looked at because I have parents reporting to me that they can’t actually get childcare for their children because there’s a shortage of spaces.
“So I think until we value the childcare industry and value, I suppose, the caring as a profession, we’re going to run into trouble.
“So we’re going to need child professionals paid more and fully appreciated for the responsible role and the caring role they play because you’re asking them to look after the most precious people in your life.”
It was reported on Tuesday that Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman is promising to bring down the fees for parents with a major boost in funding.
When asked in an interview in the Irish Examiner if this would be in the region of €50 a week, Mr O’Gorman indicated it would be more, which could see relief of hundreds a month.
He said: “I don’t think a €50 cut would be substantial.
“There is broad agreement across the three parties on the need to substantially cut the cost of childcare for parents in this year’s budget.
“My officials have been working on proposals and we’ll be bringing those to Minister Michael McGrath and we will be engaging further with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.”
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