Officials drawing up proposals to ease childcare costs

15/06/2005 - 08:08:58
Senior civil servants from a number of Government departments are reportedly in the process of drawing up a range of proposals for reform of childcare policy.

Reports this morning said the proposals included subsidies, increases in child benefit payments and tax credits to help ease the burden of childcare costs.

The various options have reportedly been costed at between €160m and €713m per year and are due to be presented to ministers at a special Cabinet meeting on social inclusion next month.

Childcare and the costs it imposes on working parents has emerged as a major issue ahead of the next general election.