Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed that childcare costs will be reduced in the next Budget following fears that high costs could not be tackled.
However, he stated that the total reduction has not been finalised following backlash over comments he made stating that a 25 per cent cut may not be reached.
Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman previously said that he wanted to cut childcare costs by 50 per cent over a two-year period.
Cuts of 25 per cent were introduced as part of Budget 2023. In an interview with The Irish Times, Mr Varadkar said that he was "not sure we can go as far as 25 per cent" in the next Budget.
The Taoiseach attempted to quell fears yesterday, noting that there will be cuts to childcare costs in the Budget.
Mr Varadkar said: "One of my priorities in Government is making sure that we put money back into the pockets of Irish families.
"That can be done in a number of ways. Reducing income tax is one, reducing the cost of childcare is another.
"We did both in the last Budget. We intend to do both in the next Budget. There will be further reduction in the cost of childcare for families next year, you can be sure of that.
"As is the case with any particular Budget matter, the figures aren't agreed yet.
"That also applies to tax cuts. It applies to increases in pensions and welfare. These things have to be negotiated."
Speaking at the same event, Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman also said that he wanted to reduce childcare costs and noted that he wants to help parents who avail of private childminders.
In the Dáil, Mr Varadkar repeated that fees would be cut when challenged by Labour leader Ivana Bacik.
She said: "The Taoiseach's comments at the weekend appeared to undermine the Government's commitment to a reduction in costs and showed a complete lack of understanding of the severity of this issue and how serious it is for so many parents.
"Is the Government committed to a significant reduction in costs? Can we see at last a publicly funded universal and affordable childcare and early years scheme?"
Mr Varadkar once again stressed that negotiations are yet to take place on the Budget but childcare costs will be looked at.
READ NEXT:
- US Ambassador says 'noose has tightened' on Kinahan cartel
- Government confirms that historic convictions for homosexual sex will be quashed
For the latest analysis and headlines, sign up to our free Politics newsletter
