Improving 'affordability' Of Childcare A Priority For Government

Improving 'affordability' of childcare a priority for government

A Wexford Government Minister has admitted that childcare costs are preventing many women from fully taking part in the workforce. Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin says improving the "affordability" of creches and after-school activities is a priority for the cabinet in the year ahead. Ireland is now regarded as the most expensive country in the world for childcare - alongside the United States. Minister Brendan Howlin says he wants to see that change. He says there is a significant impediment to some people doing what they want to do in terms of being full participants in the workforce because of either the availability or the cost of childcare. Minister Howlin says it's something that's certainly on the government's agenda.