Clare parents shelling out €220 a week in childcare costs amid calls for change

For many, this is simply an unaffordable amount and places significant financial strain on households.

Due to this, the National Women’s Council (NWC) are urging families in Clare to join their newly launched childcare e-action campaign.

The email action provides an easy-to-use online tool for families, parents and individuals across the country to demand a better solution to childcare costs, through a simple, collective action. 

This action is part of NWC’s ongoing 'Together for Public' campaign, which is supported by an alliance of over 30 civil society organisations, trade unions, academics, and childcare providers.
The pre-drafted email calls on political party leaders for commitments to guarantee every child the right to an early years education through legislation, pilot a public-delivered model of childcare in areas with limited provision, and reform and support existing schemes to include fee-capping. 

Additionally, the council also wants to make the State take responsibility for negotiating and paying educators appropriate wages and create a buy-out scheme for struggling or retiring private providers, so they can become part of the public system.  

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The NWC's campaign calls on political party leaders to commit to a public system of early childhood education and care in their manifestos, during the General Election campaign, and in the next Programme for Government. 

The council believe this is the best way to deliver affordable, accessible, quality childcare for children and their families.  

Rachel Coyle, Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation, NWC said, "Childcare in Ireland has long been unaffordable and inadequate, placing an unjust burden on women, who cannot fully participate in society, often reduce their working hours or leave the workforce entirely.

"Despite increased investment in recent years, our current childcare system has not delivered the accessibility or affordability that families need," 

“Childcare must be available from the age that parents need it, including school-aged children. All children, irrespective of their background, any additional needs they may have or their location, should be entitled to early education and care. We need to see that reflected in legislation that guarantees a place for every child. Early years educators, the majority of whom are women, need decent pay and working conditions that is reflective of their training and experience to keep them in this crucial sector.” 

The National Women’s Council is the leading national representative organisation for women and women’s groups in Ireland.

Founded in 1973, there are over 190 member groups and a large and growing community of individual supporters, with their ambitions being an Ireland where every woman enjoys true equality and no woman is left behind.

The e-action campaign is available here

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