Time to care about care: National Women’s Council calls for Budget 2027 to recognise care

Published: Monday, June 15, 2026

The National Women’s Council has said that the Irish economy is underpinned by care, and that without childcare, healthcare, and other forms of care, society and the economy cannot thrive.

Speaking at the National Economic Dialogue this afternoon, NWC Executive Director Corrinne Hasson highlighted that women still undertake the lion’s share of unpaid care work in Ireland, saying:

“Care is the infrastructure that underpins our economy. Without childcare, healthcare, disability services, older persons’ care and community supports, individuals, families and businesses cannot thrive. Budget 2027 must prioritise investment in these essential services. This means progressing Sláintecare, providing accessible and affordable early childhood education and care, strengthening social protection, delivering housing at scale, and supporting the community and voluntary organisations that communities rely on every day.”

Ms Hasson continued:

"If we are serious about investing in housing, healthcare, childcare and climate action, we must also be serious about how we fund them. Budget 2027 should focus on strengthening the tax base, including through fair and effective taxation of wealth. 

Ultimately, the success of our economy cannot be measured by growth figures alone. It must be measured by whether people can afford a home, access the care they need, and live with dignity, security and opportunity.”

According to the ESRI, 45% of women and 29% of men provide care for others on a daily basis.

NWC will publish its pre-budget submission on 7 July. It is expected to make calls around public childcare, housing for survivors of violence against women, and energy poverty.