NWCI calls for Budget 2016 to end the current childcare crisis
Published: Thursday, August 20, 2015
In a letter sent to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly, the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) today called for the introduction of an affordable quality childcare infrastructure, complemented by paid leave to reconcile work and family life, in Budget 2016.
Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI said,
“Currently, the costs of childcare in Ireland remain amongst the highest in the OECD and in the EU with many Irish parents paying over 40% of their incomes on childcare. As the primary responsibility for childcare in Ireland continues to be placed on women, these high costs have had a devastating impact on gender equality in Ireland.
The lack of affordable childcare continues to be cited as the key obstacle to women's full participation in employment and in public and civil life. Women are making decisions which impact their career progression, working hours and types of employment based on childcare considerations. Good practice models both in the EU and internationally show that the inclusion of gender equality objectives within Early Years policies leads to better outcomes for all.”
Orla O’Connor continued,
“Back in 2005, NWCI published our research 'An Accessible Model of Childcare in Ireland'. We welcomed the direction of the Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Early Years and School-Age Care and Education by the Minister in July 2015, but expressed deep concern at the absence of a clear commitment to implement proposals, timeframes and clear investment targets. The optimum model for mothers and for children requires significant investment. Currently Ireland is spending between 0.2-0.4% of GDP which is significantly below the EU average of 0.7% and the UNICEF target of 1% of GDP. Delivery of this essential infrastructure will require clear commitment to increase and ring fence spending over the next five years towards that 1% target.”
Orla O’Connor concluded,
“Our recommendations would provide both immediate benefit and also set us on a course to provide a sustainable childcare infrastructure for both children and parents. There have been many reports providing numerous proposals on childcare in recent years, now is the time for decisive action in Budget 2016.”
NWCI recommendations:
It is imperative that Budget 2016 delivers so that it provides choice for parents to take leave from employment in the first year of a child's life. This means Minister Reilly and the government must introduce two weeks paternity leave for fathers on birth of their child, and announce 6 months paid parental leave following 6 months of maternity leave, to be introduced incrementally over 3 Budgets. Introduce first 2 months paid parental leave in Budget 2016.
In terms of affordable childcare for children aged six months to three years, NWCI recommends that Budget 2016 cap childcare fees for all parents. Currently this would be €180per week for a full time childcare place based on ECCE subsidization. The Government must also announce a subsidisation scheme so that childcare costs will be reduced for all parents, based on a sliding scale according to income, with those on lowest income receiving full subsidization and the maximum parental contribution set at 40% of childcare costs. Introduce scheme over 3 Budgets with a 20% subsidy in Budget 2016.
Finally, in terms of Early Childhood Care and Education, NWCI recommends that the Government introduces free ECCE for all children from when they reach three years until they enter primary school and also extend the hours of ECCE to 20 hours per week for up to 48 weeks per year.
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