In a bid to make childcare more affordable for families, Fine Gael has announced a major new policy pledge ahead of the upcoming election. The party has committed to capping the cost of childcare at €200 per child per month, and €600 per family for households with more than three children.
Speaking at the launch of their children’s policy, Justice Minister Helen McEntee stated that these childcare cost caps would be introduced in the first budget if Fine Gael is re-elected. The party has also committed to creating 30,000 new early learning and school-age care places by 2030.
Another key element of Fine Gael’s proposal is the introduction of Pay-Related Parents Benefit. This would link the rate of parental benefit payments to a mother or father’s income, encouraging them to spend more time with their newborn children.
The party’s plans also include expanding the Hot School Meals program to every school in the country, and introducing a pilot program to tackle child hunger during school holidays. Additionally, they have pledged to strengthen Tusla’s child protection powers by boosting staff and resources.
While Fine Gael was pressed on how they would attract and retain more early years educators, the party avoided specifics on minimum wage increases, stating there is a “clear process” for agreeing salaries in the sector. However, they acknowledged that an increase of around €2 per hour from the current minimum of €13.65 would likely be needed.
Overall, Fine Gael’s childcare policy represents a significant pledge to make quality early education and care more accessible and affordable for Irish families if the party is returned to government.