Sir, - I would like to record my amazement at the announcement by the Government that there will now be 21 per cent VAT added to childcare, Montessori schools etc. In an era when there have been calls for more and better childcare in order to allow more equal career opportunities, the latest announcement is, in my view, a massive own-goal likely to cost the Government the next election.
There have been many calls in the past to introduce tax-free allowances against the costs of childcare - at a minimum, the Government should have introduced tax allowances before making this announcement. Given that parents currently pay anything from £60-£150 a week, after paying tax, for each child, the latest development is bound to make it unrealistic for many people to continue working. ,
Clearly this move is anti-women and seeks to force Ireland back into the Dark Ages. What is even more amazing is that with decent tax-free allowances, more jobs might actually be created by larger families who hire full-time private childminders. It might even make a significant dent in the current black market. - Yours, etc.,
Collins Avenue, Waterford.