Childcare and taxation policy

Sir, – Minister for Children Dr James Reilly apparently believes that no provision can be made through tax credits or tax returns for tax relief on childcare costs because it discriminates against stay at home parents ("Government officials rule out tax relief for childcare", November 17th, 2014).

There is tax relief on bicycle purchases and public transport through employment schemes. This discriminates against those not in employment.

Did it not occur to Dr Reilly or his officials that the families on one income while one parent is at home are the very families in dire need of tax relief? – Yours, etc,

LAURA EGAR,

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Vienna.