The high cost of childcare and lack of capacity for children continue to cause difficulties for parents around the country, with many struggling to juggle work and family life.
This morning, Laura Slattery reports that almost nine in 10 businesses told an outlook survey conducted by Dublin Chamber of Commerce that the childcare crisis affected their ability to attract and retain staff, with a fifth of all companies describing it as the primary barrier to doing so.
The prohibitive cost and limited availability of childcare places is among the most pressing issues for businesses in the capital, Dublin Chamber said.
We’d like to hear what you think and what your experience has been. Have you had to change your work situation because of childcare difficulties? Has your employer been open to hybrid working or other arrangements to facilitate childcare? Have you decided to leave your job altogether to be a stay-at-home parent?
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According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Ireland ranks second highest in Europe in relation to childcare costs as a share of average wages. In Dublin the cost of childcare is higher than the national average – 10 per cent higher than Cork and 50 per cent higher than Limerick.
All the main political parties made pledges on childcare in advance of the general election. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were among the five parties to promise that they would cap childcare costs at €200 per month per child. However, as government formation talks continue, it is unclear when this might happen, while creche owners have warned that such a cap would force many childcare facilities to close.
Are you struggling to afford childcare? Do you think a €200 per month per child cap would be enough or should the new government go further?
You can let us know what you think using the form below. Please limit your submissions to 400 words or less. Please include a phone number for verification purposes only. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission – we will keep your name and contact details confidential.
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