The byelections in Meath and Kildare North helped to focus political attention on the growing problem of accessible and affordable childcare.
Many young people relocated to the new conurbations surrounding Dublin because of cheaper housing. But now they find the cost of ongoing childcare to be a crippling burden, while the long hours spent commuting to work have eroded their quality of life.
Childcare costs in Ireland are the highest in Europe, according to a recent survey. Parents here spend about twice the EU average on childcare but, in spite of that, the shortfall in facilities is expected to worsen. It is an unacceptable situation. The expense involved already keeps a large number of educated and highly skilled women out of the workforce. And Government response has been inadequate.
Because of the high costs of child-minding services, along with creche and pre-school facilities, the Government sought to deal with the issue by increasing the value of child benefits for parents; through grant-aiding the establishment of private facilities; and by way of State-subsidised community facilities. Every county is now expected to implement a childcare strategy. But rapid development in some areas has overwhelmed the planners.
Hand-in-hand with this administrative failure goes the debate on taxation levels. As with healthcare, however, it is unlikely that services will meet the exacting standard demanded by those affected in the absence of a change in tax policy. And that is not on the Government's agenda. The Nordic countries, which enjoy highly developed childcare facilities and low levels of child poverty, pay for those services through high income taxes and personal charges. In contrast, tax rates are low here.
The Coalition parties are committed to a significant increase in childcare provision, through State funding and capital grants, under the Agreed Programme for Government. They also want to increase the supply of out-of-hours childcare programmes based in schools. But not nearly enough has been done. And the huge demand for childcare places is not being met.
Childcare was an important issue on the doorsteps of Meath and Kildare in the recent byelections. But, judging by the low turnout, it did not motivate many day-long commuters to go to the polls. Because of that, the subject may not get the attention it deserves in pre-general election planning. That would be a mistake. The wellbeing of our society will be directly influenced by the quality of care provided for today's children.