Working mothers bearing childcare delays – Sherlock

Cork East TD Seán Sherlock has said that working mothers across Cork are bearing the burden of childcare as the Government’s plans to reopen early years education continues to hit obstacles.

“I want to outline in brief terms that there is an element to this crisis that has not received the attention it deserves,” said Deputy Sherlock in a Dáil debate with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

“For working mothers, the burden of childcare continues to fall predominantly on them during this time. As progressive as we like to believe we are as a society, the demands that have fallen on working mothers in the absence of a proper childcare structure means that women are effectively being held back because they are again assuming traditional household roles for the most part.

That is the sad reality of the situation. As a parent of two young children, as progressive and all as I like to think I am, I know the reality is that working mothers still assume the vast bulk of the role of maintaining and managing a household. It is having an impact on their career progression as we speak. That is why it is vitally important that we restore the childcare system and have a pathway or roadmap which ensures all workers have access to the service in the shortest period of time possible. It is vital that we step up the energy levels that are required to achieve that.”

Deputy Sherlock also highlighted the inequality existing for who are returning from maternity leave.

“It is vitally important that the legislation be amended, as articulated by SIPTU, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the National Women’s Council of Ireland, so that those returning from maternity leave are eligible to apply for the wage subsidy scheme,” said Deputy Sherlock.

“The Labour Party lends its voice to that call. If we are to talk about equality and the progression of women in society, we must ensure this anomaly is corrected by way of legislation.”