According to a report in the Irish Times, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs James Reilly has put a group in place to make recommendations for childcare reform, with a final report due by the end of June.
One measure up for consideration would see parents paying subsidised fees for after-school care for their children, with low-income and unemployed parents benefiting. According to the report, the State would contribute €40 for each child, with parents paying a maximum fee of €15 per week. It is believed that the programme has the potential to be expanded to include families from other income brackets, although the fees payable would change according to income.
The group is also set to look at introducing paid paternity leave, specifically the recommendation of extending periods of shared parental leave to a year. A childcare tax credit is also up for consideration, although the initial reports state that it is unlikely to be introduced.
We will keep you updated with any announcement regarding the group’s report.
