Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:1907. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she is taking to support stay-at-home parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27093/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 20 June 2017
Ceisteanna (1907)
Freagraí scríofa
I am committed to the provision of childcare options for families that respect parental choice and reflect international evidence on how to attain the best outcomes for children.
I support the Government’s extension of parental leave for parents; particularly in the crucial first year. The Government has provided additional support for stay-at-home parents through the home carer tax credit, which has been increased to €1,100 per year. I support an increase in the earnings threshold for this, and have raised this with the Minister for Finance.
Delivering more affordable childcare is only one element of a broader set of commitments and supports aimed at parents and children. The provision of improved services for centre-based care is very important, but I will not lose sight of the needs of children who do not attend them. In this regard, Better Outcomes Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People contains a commitment to produce Ireland’s first-ever National Early Years Strategy. The intention is to deliver a cross-cutting strategy which will take a joined-up, whole of Government approach to the issue of supporting children and their families during the early years (0-6 years). The drafting of the National Early Years Strategy is being advanced. In December I hosted an Open Policy Debate on the Strategy with a view to completion of the Strategy later this year.