Labour proposes €200 monthly childcare cap, claims idea originated with them

The Labour Party has announced a plan to cap childcare costs at €200 per month per child if elected. This proposal aligns with similar pledges from Sinn Féin and Fine Gael, but Labour claims it originated the idea in 2022. Labour aims to shift Ireland to a publicly-provided childcare model, moving away from reliance on private providers. The party also seeks core funding to ensure childcare staff earn a minimum wage of €15 per hour. Labour criticized Fine Gael's past actions on childcare, highlighting that no new schools have included childcare facilities despite significant spending on school buildings. Labour leaders emphasized the need for a major reform in the childcare sector.