Sir, – Dominic Coyle provides welcome clarity on the budget (“Budget 2027’s childcare package has triggered storm of protest from parents. Here’s why”, Budget 2027, October 8th).
We were told that this budget was, among other things, intended to reward those who “get up early every morning and go to work”. However, the Minister did not make clear that the cited reduction in childcare fees applies to Band E, covering 40–50 hours of childcare a week. As the article notes, most parents in and around Dublin fall into Band F, which covers 50 hours or more a week. Even with the increased subsidies, their monthly childcare costs will remain between €750 and €810 – well above the Minister’s proposed net figure of €550 per month. Should we get up later to avoid the extra costs? – Yours, etc,
EILEEN MCDERMOTT,
Harold’s Cross,
RM Block
Dublin 6W.
