9th July 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GREENS CALL FOR NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF COMMUNITY CHILDCARE CENTRES

The Green Party has called for more childcare places and a nationwide network of community childcare centres to be provided as new CSO figures released today reveal that childcare costs average almost one hundred euros per week.

Green Party Justice spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD, said today, "We need a nationwide network of community childcare centres.  These centres would prioritise access and affordability for those living on low incomes. In line with this we are calling for the County Childcare Committees to be adequately funded so that they can set up and support such facilities.  These figures once again highlight the need for an increase in child benefit, and for an Ombudsman for Children to be appointed."

"For many families it costs more to pay for childcare than to pay the mortgage on the family home. The State should play a more active role in supporting the family, and cherishing children. This means increasing child benefit and directly providing new childcare facilities. The care of children should not be left to the private sector. The State must also play its part."

"We also want planners to insist that adequate childcare provisions are incorporated into plans for new residential areas."