Increased childcare supports and changes to fuel allowance season will help with cost of living – Fine Gael

Assistance including increased childcare supports and changes to the fuel allowance are measures that could help households with the cost of living, according to a group of Fine Gael TDs.

Speaking in the Dáil on measures to address the cost of living crisis, Dublin Rathdown Deputy Neale Richmond said: “As we all know, the cost of living has risen significantly in the past few months, hitting us at the petrol pump, on our gas and electricity bills, and the cost of our food shops.

“One massive cost that is seriously impacting families across Ireland is the cost of childcare. Families are often paying the equivalent to a second mortgage for childcare and the impact on their bottom lines cannot be understated.

“Budget 2022 sought to address these rising costs by extending the National Childcare Scheme universal subsidy to children under 15 which is a great start, but if we are to make childcare affordable to all, there is a need for significant progress.

“In its current form, the subsidy is not of a huge help to parents. I have heard from families paying over €1,000, even €1,500 euros a month for childcare and receiving a subsidy of €80.

“While families are grateful for the help, there is clearly room for significant progress in the expansion of the universal subsidy.

“Fine Gael have been working on this issue in the Care of the Child Policy Lab and have called for the expansion of the universal payment, and I want to reiterate this call today. This issue must be examined to see what can be done ahead of future budgets.

“Increasing the subsidy is an effective and direct way to help parents access and retain their childcare and must be considered.”

Wexford TD Paul Kehoe said Government must act immediately to assist families and individuals up and down the country with cost of living pressures.

“I know work is currently underway by Minister Paschal Donohoe, Minister Michael McGrath and Minister Heather Humphreys who are looking at identifying options to help ease the cost of living pressures many are currently facing.

“This issue is deeply concerning to households and middle income earners right across the board, who are seeing weekly bills and other costs rising and they are rightly concerned about the future.

“Rising fuel costs is a massive issue for elderly people and Government has a role to play here by extending the fuel allowance season and even allowing more people to avail of it.”

Kerry TD and Deputy Government Chief Whip Brendan Griffin said doubling the electricity rebate of €113 to all domestic electricity account holders is an instant measure that could help in the short term.

Deputy Griffin said: Rising fuel costs have heaped enormous pressure on households everywhere, I would be calling for the fuel allowance to be extended further into spring, those eligible should also be notified so they can plan ahead.”