Sinn Féin have launched a plan to deliver childcare at a cost of €10 a day per child.

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said the plan would make a real difference for families.

The fully costed plan is ready to be delivered in the first year of government and would deliver subsidies to providers to bridge the gap between the actual cost of care and a €10 a day cap on fees charged to families.

Teachta Crowe said:

“Sinn Féin’s plan sets out how we would deliver childcare at €10 a day per child. This would ensure childcare is affordable for families. Our plan is fully costed and ready to be delivered in the first year of government.

“Childcare in Ireland has been far too expensive for far too long. Government has taken a hands-off approach, instead of standing up to support families and ensure costs are affordable for parents.

“Under Sinn Féin’s plan, if your child attends childcare or a childminder full-time, five days a week, we will cut your childcare costs from €800 to €200 a month.

“Sinn Féin would not simply reduce the cost of childcare. We will also work to increase capacity in the sector, so that parents can not only afford childcare but so that they can actually access childcare.

“We would expand capacity by addressing the crisis in recruitment and retention, extending supports to childminders, increasing and reviewing Core Funding, as well as through promotion of the social enterprise model and extension of benefits for parents to cover the first year of a child’s life.

“Other countries cap the price of childcare and it is time to do it in Ireland where parents pay some of the highest childcare costs in Europe.

“Sinn Féin’s plan would involve an investment of €345 million funding. This is an important investment in families and in our children’s futures.

“With affordable childcare and affordable housing, Sinn Féin will make Ireland a better place to raise a family and build a future.”