Childcare fee reduction not enough for Tipperary families coping with cost-of-living increases
'While these reductions are welcome, these measures simply don't go anywhere near enough for parents who are dealing with increasing cost of living pressures’- Cllr Annemarie Ryan
Tipperary Sinn Féin Cllrs Anne Marie Ryan and David Dunne have said that the announced reduction in childcare fees made by the Government will put the cost of childcare closer to €200 per week, a far cry from the Government’s promise of €200 a month childcare.
Cllrs Ryan and Dunne commented as the Government announced a reduction in the maximum fee cap providers can charge parents from €198 to €183.70 per week – a reduction of €14.30.
Cllr Ryan of the Tipperary Cashel LEA stated 'while these reductions are welcome, these measures simply don't go anywhere near enough for parents who are dealing with increasing cost of living pressures.
"People across Tipperary are facing hikes in rents, fuel prices, grocery prices, electricity and gas prices, amongst other price hikes.
And of course, while affordability in terms of childcare is key, parents have to be able to access a childcare place in the first instance – this is extremely difficult in many parts of the County.
Cllr David Dunne of the Carrick on Suir LEA stated 'during the General Election in 2024, we heard promises from Fine Gael that they would deliver €200 a month childcare within 100 days of Government.
Over 18 months later, in June 2026 the cost of childcare under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is actually closer to €200 per week – never mind €200 per month.
Cllr Dunne highlighted that "Accessibility and building capacity is just as important as affordability. There is a huge issue with access to childcare places for under-1-year-olds. Government should look at Sinn Féin’s proposal to extend Parents’ Leave and Benefit to ensure a parent can spend the first year with their baby – especially when there is a lack of places.
Cllr Ryan added 'The recent announcement includes another €45 million in ringfenced funding for pay for Early Years Educators and School Age Care Practitioners yet, we are still waiting on the €45 million announced last year to deliver a much-needed pay increase.
“This is becoming an annual issue where the professionals in the workforce, who we desperately need and who we are losing, are left waiting for a pay increase. They won’t have this increase for September at this rate.
Cllr Dunne stated "its very simple - if we don’t pay educators properly, we will have no early years sector. Government must publish a plan to get to €200 a month for childcare costs as promised. They can copy Sinn Féin’s plan if they aren’t able to do it themselves but it cannot come on its own – as set out in our plan, it must include building capacity, proper pay and extending Parent’s Leave and Benefit.”