Chapter 6

Childcare

6.1 Types of Childcare Arrangement

One in three women surveyed avail of childcare while they are at work, training or studying - most of this is provided by a family member, usually the woman's mother. As can be seen from Table 16, other options for women include (and in order) their husband or partner, a childminder in her home or in the children's home, a neighbour or some other childminding arrangement.  This illustrates the dependence on family and social networks, which is a feature of the traditional way of life that is still prevalent in Inishowen.  In terms of the absence of an emphasis on the lack of childcare in the area (see Section 5.3), it may perhaps be significant that this need is frequently met within the family (see Section 6.2).  Undoubtedly, this results from necessity - little or no alternative is available - but other factors are clearly relevant also, especially factors of cost.

Almost 2 in 3 women do not make any monetary payment for their childcare needs, although most have some arrangement that involves purchasing gifts or meals out for the carer (see Section 6.3).  It seems clear that many women would not be able to work, train or study without this type of almost free childcare.  The issue of a fair and just income for the work that women do could not be properly addressed in this survey, but it certainly requires further investigation.  Lobbying for the provision of crèches and other childcare options, without first ensuring that women are earning enough to pay the charges, would be a futile exercise.  This is another instance where the report must refer back to the lack of suitable, local employment opportunities, as already identified in the disadvantages to living in Inishowen (Section3.3)  and the barriers to paid work (Section 5.3).

6.2 Women have their say: On childcare issues

Married woman, 61-70 age group:
"In this community it's hard for young mothers - the cost of a crèche if mother wants to do training [has to be considered]"

Mother of three:
"I feel guilty leaving my children with the minder when they are sick"

Mother of four:
"I can't work full time [due to lack of childcare]"

Mother of three:
"I'm expected to do both home [care] and work - [it's] difficult"

Single mother:
"There are no childcare facilities near me at all.  If it wasn't for my parents, I could go nowhere" 

Mother of three:
"On training and in-service days [for children's teachers] it's difficult to obtain childcare - this also applies when children are sick"

Mother, aged 31-40:
"[My] husband would not like me to work full time"