After a decade in Government, Fine Gael has produced new research showing huge dissatisfaction among parents, including many party members, with the affordability and availability of childcare in Ireland. Only 19pc of respondents said they were satisfied with the affordability of childcare, with just 31pc satisfied with availability of places and 37pc satisfied with the choice and range of options. The party said the survey was issued to party members, who shared it with family and friends, and public representatives issued it to childcare service providers and interested parties. The survey was also promoted on social media, and Fine Gael said 55pc of respondents were not members of the party. Among childcare providers, the survey found 87pc said their main concerns were wage levels and recruitment and retention of staff.

Source: Irish Independent May 23, 2021 01:30 UTC