Writing exclusively in the Irish Independent today, Mr Varadkar has spelled out Government plans to provide greater parental leave, increase home care supports and invest in after school care.

“I don’t have children, my sisters do, though, and so too do many of my friends,” Mr Varadkar said.

“So I appreciate the juggling that comes with childcare – the rush out of home in the morning, the rush back in the evening, the time away from home, and crucially, deciding whether it’s worth working outside the home at all, given the high cost of childcare.”

The Taoiseach is adamant that the upcoming Budget should be one that focuses on easing the financial burden facing parents – but says some of the measures envisaged can only be rolled out over 10 years.

It comes as Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty warned that vulnerable groups such as lone parents are ahead of pensioners in the pecking order when it comes to October’s Budget.

Read the full article on The Irish Independent Website