By MP for Hougang SMC, Png Eng Huat
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 14 March 2013]
Madam,
Currently, the Government gives child care subsidies to working and non-working mothers whose children are enrolled in licensed child care centres. Working mothers are given a maximum subsidy of $300 while mothers who are not working are also eligible for the subsidies but at a reduced rate.
The call to give care-givers more recognition and support is ringing loud in this Budget Debate. Therefore, I urge the Ministry to give care-givers access to full subsidy for child care under certain circumstances.
Would the Minister consider extending the full rate of Basic Child Care Subsidy to non-working mothers as well as grant them the Additional Subsidy if they have valid reasons to stay home as a care giver to a family member in need of it? This is especially crucial to the lower income families as they would not have the means to employ a domestic helper to look after their aged or disabled parents.
In some instances, only the father can work because the mother may be hampered by illnesses or disability that prevents her from seeking employment. Would the Minister consider these special circumstances and grant these mothers full Basic Subsidy as well as Additional Subsidy?
