Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has said that Fine Gael have only a soundbite on childcare in stark contrast to Sinn Féin’s fully costed plan to deliver childcare for €10 a day.

Teachta Doherty’s comments follow further kite flying by the Taoiseach about potential reforms to childcare, despite Fine Gael overseeing spiralling childcare costs for families during their 13 years in office.

This afternoon Sinn Féin will launch the party’s plan to make childcare affordable and deliver badly needed capacity.

Teachta Doherty said:

“Fine Gael have a soundbite on childcare, Sinn Féin have a fully costed plan. Today we are outlining our plan to deliver childcare at a cost of €10 per day, that is ready to be delivered in the first year of government. 

“This would ensure childcare is affordable for families by putting money back in their pockets.

“In stark contrast, we see the Taoiseach is again kite flying with soundbites about childcare that have no detail, no costings and no basis in fact.

“Fine Gael have been in government for over 13 years and in this time their hands-off approach to childcare has seen costs spiral out of control for families. Thousands of families are struggling to find a place for their child, as government have failed to deliver the capacity that is needed.

“Sinn Féin has a plan to cut costs for families to just €10 per day per child and ensure there are enough places for all children who need them. This will mean families will have certainty and a break from unaffordable costs. Our plan is ready to be delivered in the first year of government.

“With affordable childcare and affordable housing, Sinn Féin will make Ireland a better place to raise a family and build a future.”

ENDS