€360m childcare package awaits govt approval
28/10/2005 - 09:59:43A new childcare financial package of €360m aimed at easing the cost burden on working parents is awaiting approval from the Government.
The proposals drawn up by employer’s body IBEC and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions as part of their pre-Budget submission, would see parents receiving €70 a week towards the cost of childcare.
This figure represents 40% of the average weekly cost of keeping a child in care, which is estimated at about €170 per child.
First-born children would be excluded from the proposal as would couples earning more than €120,000 a year.
Other changes sought by the union include increased maternity-leave benefit and a PRSI-based parental leave.
