Small world as Fine Gael politicians tell each other they know family saving €400 on childcare after reforms

A group of Fine Gael politicians said they all personally know a family with two children in daycare who are saving €400 a month – speaking to local media, who are campaigning for cuts in childcare fees.

The government announced a 25 percent cut in childcare costs, which came into effect a few days ago.

Speaking to local media recently, two Fine Gael TDs and a Senator all referred to a case study of a parent who would save €400 a month in childcare costs for their two children.

Cork TD Colm Burke told Thecork.ie: “I know a parent who wants to save €400 a month in fees for their two children who are in daycare full time.”

Likewise, Mayo TD Alan Dillon told the Connaught telegraph: “I know a parent who wants to save €400 a month on fees for their two children who are in daycare full-time.”

And Senator Garret Ahearn told Tipperary Live: “I know a parent who wants to save €400 a month in fees for their two children who are in daycare full-time.”

Asked whether the politicians are aware of all the separated families or just referring to one that is known to all, Mr Burke said he was referring to a constituent who pays €2,000 a month for two children in the crèche.

They save €400 from the quarterly cut, he said.

Mr Dillon said he “absolutely” knew families with two children in the crèche.

“When we discuss these things, they are based on scenarios based on the types of families that would benefit the most. There are people I’ve spoken to who will have significant savings,” he said.

Senator Ahearn said he’s spoken to many parents who have found childcare takes a “struggle.” “I know families who, with four children in a full-time daycare, save 140 euros per child per month and save over 500 euros per month,” he said.

As a result of the 25 percent reduction, parents would see an additional €175 off the monthly bills per child, or €351 for two children a month, government sources said.

This does not include existing subsidies.

“For parents with a minimum subsidy, this means savings of up to 3,276 euros per child on the annual bill,” said a spokesman for the children’s office.

“At currently up to 1,170 euros per year, this means an additional reduction of up to 2,106 euros in the annual costs for early childhood education, care and compulsory childcare per child.

“Parents with maximum support can already receive a reduction of up to 11,934 euros on the annual fee, depending on the determination of income and the age of the child.”