Childcare left behind in €17.75bn Budget – Kilkenny TD

Budget 2021 was “a missed opportunity” to refrom the childcare sector, a Kilkenny TD said today.

Despite the record almost €18 billion Budget measures, Deputy Kathleen Funchion said she was “shocked and disappointed” that it failed to address what she described as “chronic under investment in the childcare sector”.

The Kilkenny TD, who is Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on children, added: “This was a missed opportunity to reform this crucial sector.

“Ireland has some of the highest childcare fees in Europe. Despite being highly qualified and carrying out vital work, childcare workers are often on little more than minimum wage. This isn’t fair and it isn’t sustainable.

“Our childcare system simply isn’t fit for purpose. Fees are far too high and wages are far too low. The system doesn’t work well enough for parents or staff.”