The leader of the Fianna Fáil Group on Dublin City Council, Mary Fitzpatrick today urged Minister Charlie Flanagan to make affordability of childcare and reform of sector a key priority on his appointment to the role of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

Cllr Fitzpatrick said “Childcare costs now account for the largest monthly expenses for many families – in many cases proving even more expensive than the costs of paying a mortgage. Childcare costs can also be prohibitive for people seeking employment. Charlie Flanagan now has the opportunity to introduce real reform that will make a real difference to families with young children”.

Cllr Fitzpatrick stated “Ireland has the second highest childcare costs in the OECD, figures show that childcare costs now account for about 29% of net income for a couple and almost 50% of net income for lone parents. Many working parents are being put in the impossible position of having to choose between quitting work due to the high cost of childcare or continuing their careers while losing money. Fianna Fáil has published extensive proposals on childcare reform that would help to bring costs for families under control”.

Cllr Fitzpatrick stated “Working parents across the country are crippled by the cost childcare.   I call on Minister Charlie Flanagan to use his new position to review exorbitant childcare costs and to address inadequacies in the childcare sector”.