The December Budget must provide tax relief for child-care costs and give incentives to employers to provide workplace creche facilities, the Irish Countrywomen's Association has said in its pre-Budget submission to Government.
The ICA also urged measures to cover the operating costs of refuges for women and children suffering violence in the home.
Speaking at the presentation of the submissions in Dublin yesterday, the ICA president, Mrs Eva Coyle, said the Government must stop treating women as second-class citizens.
Six years after the Second Commission on the Status of Women had reported to Government, many of the recommendations had not been implemented. The ICA submission covers needs in community care, child-care, training and education and domestic violence.
"Women do not have the freedom of choice to play an equal role in the economic life of this country. They face fundamental barriers to employment and participation in education and training. They do not have equal opportunity," she added. Enough reports and commissions had been delivered and the Government would be judged on actions, not promises.
"If we do not get action in our tiger economy, when will we see it?" Mrs Coyle asked.
The submission says the carers' means test should be eliminated and full insurance and pension rights should be provided for carers. One-stop centres providing information and advice for women and children experiencing violence should also be provided in local areas. Provision should be made to cover the operating costs of refuges, and accredited crisis counselling services should be available.
Describing lack of child-care as a fundamental barrier to women entering the labour market, it urges tax relief for parents and employers in this area.