In Galway, families are paying up to €252.50 per week for one child in full time childcare the National Women’s Council has said.
This is unaffordable for many and places a significant strain on household finances according to the NWC.
The National Women’s Council is organising public events as part of its ongoing Together for Public campaign, which is supported by an alliance of over 30 civil society organisations, trade unions, academics, and childcare providers.
The Alliance is calling for the delivery of a Public System of Early Childhood Education and Care as the best way to deliver affordable, accessible, quality childcare for children and families.
A town hall event took place at the SIPTU offices in Galway City as part of the Together for Public campaign this week.
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.”
The NWC is calling for political party leaders to make a commitment to “urgent and substantive change” to the childcare situation in Ireland ahead of the general election.
“Despite increased investment in recent years, our current childcare system has not delivered the accessibility or affordability that families need,” Rachel added.
She continued, “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 only solution to the childcare crisis is a public system, and we are calling on the political party leaders to commit to building that system, in their election manifestoes and the subsequent Programme for Government.”
Budget 2025 announced at the start of this month included a 24% increase (€265.8m) in investment in Early Learning and Childcare to €1.37bn.
This includes full year funding for the childcare subsidy increases introduced back in September 2024.
Donal Swan, Women’s Economic Equality Coordinator at the NWC said, “Our e-action campaign empowers women and families to make their voices heard and ensure that the Government cannot ignore the needs of families any longer.”
“This is an opportunity for women and families to take collective action and demand a childcare system similar to other EU countries.”
“A public system would create a more equal Ireland and, when combined with better paid and longer family leaves and a right to flexible working conditions, would mean parents have real choices when it comes to caring for their child.”
