Nursery World - Scarcity of childcare stirs voters

Childcare has become a major political issue in Ireland in recent weeks after the Fianna Fail-led government suffered two by-election defeats in the greater Dublin area, where it emerged as a major voter concern. This has focused attention on government's failure to stimulate the supply of childcare places to meet the growing demands of working families. A study by the Central Statistics Office found that 40,000 women joined the workforce last year, but 17,600 of them work part-time, many because of the lack of childcare.

This has focused attention on government's failure to stimulate the supply of childcare places to meet the growing demands of working families. A study by the Central Statistics Office found that 40,000 women joined the workforce last year, but 17,600 of them work part-time, many because of the lack of childcare.

The Irish Labour Party has increased pressure on the government by demanding a 21 billion (675 million) package to boost childcare as a condition for entering any electoral pact.

It is calling for a subsidy of up to 40 per cent for parents' childcare costs, tax exemption for childminders of 28,000 on top of normal tax allowances, a year's paid parental leave, the abolition of business rates on childcare centres, and family-friendly working.

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