At a recent debate on Childcare in the Seanad Mary highlighted the main prohibitive elements around childcare services currently; access, affordability and value, and sustainability.

Being able to access childcare is very difficult. Every childcare service provider in Dublin Central has a waiting list. Every parent with a child who is considering going back to paid employment outside the home must really battle with and take on the enormous challenge of securing a childcare place.

The cost of childcare is roughly €20,000 per year. People must earn more than that. That is €20,000 after you have paid your taxes. It is a second mortgage.

Mary urged the Minister to return to Cabinet and urge his colleagues in Government to introduce a tax rebate for parents accessing childcare services.

You can read more of Mary’s contribution here and the Minister’s response.

You can watch some of Mary’s contribution here