It has been revealed today that the State will commence paying out two weeks’ worth of paternity benefit from June next year.
The measure is part of a new childcare package to be unveiled in the upcoming Budget, and it is said to be a key point of the Coalition strategy on childcare.
According to Minister for Children James Reilly, the Budget will also have a special emphasis on reducing the cost of pre-school and after-school services, especially for families who have children with special needs.
Mr. Reilly said “But for me as Minister for Children, I wish to be able to make a really solid start in this Budget in relation to childcare support that’s affordable, accessible and of a quality that improves the outcomes of children and also addresses some of the needs of some of those with special needs in the pre-school area and also after-care.”