Sir, - When our first child was born we decided that one of us should take up the role of "homeworker" while the other remained in paid employment. We have never regretted the decision to look after our children in this way, though the reduction in income was considerable for many years. The burden has eased recently as we are both in full-time paid work again.
Now we note that the report of the Expert Working Group on Childcare recommends tax reliefs to meet the childcare needs of double-income families, but makes no concessions whatsoever to "homeworkers". In effect, this means that all existing single-income "homeworker" families will be required to subsidise the childcare needs of families with two incomes, while deriving no benefit for themselves. Those who are worse off lose, while those who are better off gain. How's that for fairness?
Parents should have a genuine choice about whether or not to stay at home. This taxation proposal is flagrantly unjust and discriminatory, and should be vigorously opposed. - Yours, etc., Henry and Margaret McClave,
Marley Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.