Childcare to be cut to €200 per month if Fine Gael re elected promises Louth senator

Fine Gael will significantly reduce childcare costs to ensure it is more affordable for all families if re-elected general election candidate John McGahon has claimed. 

The Louth senator said: “We will reduce the cost of childcare to €200 per month per child, and introduce a cap for families with more than three children in childcare. No family should be burdened with excessive childcare fees.

“Private providers of childcare in Louth do an incredible job but they're never going to be able to meet the supply on their own. I think the state has to get more involved.

“To address this, we will introduce state-led delivery of childcare services, prioritising areas with the greatest need. This will ensure that no family is left behind due to geographic disparities in service provision.

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“We will also increase childcare capacity by creating thousands of additional places in 100 State-led services each year. Expanding access to childcare is vital to meet the growing demand as more parents return to work."

He also claimed Fine Gael would extend the National Childcare Scheme to include childminders who work in the home.

“Childcare and a lack of creche places is one of the top issues I hear on the doorsteps. We have record numbers of people at work but it is crucial that we have the childcare spaces needed and that they are affordable. Dundalk is a thriving as town and more people than ever are in full time employment. It is essential that childcare is recognised as a crucial component of a well-functioning labour market, and our policies should reflect that,” he concluded.