NWC urges Cavan residents to support call for public childcare system

The action is part of NWC’s ongoing Together for Public campaign.

In Cavan, families are paying up to €264 per week for one child in full time childcare. That’s according to the National Women’s Council (NWC) which says it’s “unaffordable” for many and places a financial strain on households.

The figures quoted are from the 2022-2023 Pobal survey and can be found at https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiMmE5OTViZmUtMmI1ZS00YjY0LWE3MjUtMDVlMDE0MjYwOWZmIiwidCI6ImFlYWU1NDM2LWE5OTctNDg5Zi1iMGUxLWFlMjgzY2VkNDdmNyIsImMiOjh9

The NWC is therefore urging families in Cavan to join its newly launched childcare e-action campaign, which calls on political party leaders to commit to a public system of early childhood education and care in their political party manifestos during the election campaign, and in the next Programme for Government.

The action is part of NWC’s ongoing Together for Public campaign which is supported by over 30 civil society organisations, trade unions, academics, and childcare providers.

Rachel Coyle, Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation, NWC highlighted how childcare in Ireland has long been “unaffordable and inadequate”.

“It is placing an unjust burden on women, who cannot fully participate in society, often reduce their working hours or leave the workforce entirely,” she continued. “With the General Election imminent, we need a commitment from political party leaders to urgent and substantial change. Despite increased investment in recent years, our current childcare system has not delivered the accessibility or affordability that families need.

“Childcare must be available from the age that parents need it, including school-aged children. All children, irrespective of their background, any additional needs they may have or their location, should be entitled to early education and care.

“We need to see that reflected in legislation that guarantees a place for every child. Early years educators, the majority of whom are women, need decent pay and working conditions that are reflective of their training and experience to keep them in this crucial sector.

“The only solution to the childcare crisis is a public system, and we are calling on the political party leaders to commit to building that system, in their election manifestos and the subsequent Programme for Government.”