The 500 childcare gap: huge funds needed to fulfil Government's promise of more affordable fees
Briefly

Families paying the highest childcare costs receive limited state subsidies, with many still facing out-of-pocket expenses above €700 per month. The government aims to set monthly childcare costs at €200 by the end of its term but will require additional funding to meet this goal. Discrepancies in subsidies particularly affect higher-income families, while lower-income families benefit from higher subsidies that can cover their costs completely, even for the highest reported fees.
Families currently face monthly childcare costs of up to €1,138 for one child, but state subsidies only reduce this to €724, leaving a significant gap.
Despite billions allocated to childcare, substantial gaps remain between provider fees and state subsidies, particularly for families earning over €60,000.
Read at Irish Independent
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