Fine Gael will continue to support parents and families with the right team in Dáil Eireann

Minister Helen McEntee joined James Geoghegan, the Fine Gael Bye-Election Candidate in Dublin Bay South, on the campaign trail this weekend.

Minister McEntee said: “Becoming a mum has made me increasingly more aware of the issues facing parents today from access to childcare and school places close to where they live to a work life balance that makes time for family life.

“As a dad to two young boys, James is passionate about these issues and has advocated for parents in his role as a councillor for the past two years.

“Fine Gael is a party of reform, a party that was at the centre of Government when we delivered legislation for divorce, marriage equality and the freedom to choose. With the right team we can do the same for parents and families. James is that person and has so many ideas that he wants to introduce to help change the lives of families and parents for the better.

“We are committed to supporting parents and families and to advancing gender equality. We have achieved much in Government including enhanced maternity leave; the introduction of paid paternity benefit and parental leave and encouraging the sharing of childcare responsibilities.

“But we know there is more work to do, and James’ focus on giving individuals and families a better quality of life is why he would be a great asset to Fine Gael in Dáil Éireann.

“I want James on the Fine Gael team in Government and I am asking anyone living in Dublin Bay South to give your number 1 vote to James Geoghegan on July 8^th,” Minister McEntee said.

James Geoghegan, Fine Gael candidate in Dublin Bay South Bye-Election responded by saying: “Childcare, access to school places and juggling work and home life are three things that constantly get brought up when I’m talking to people about their concerns. The past year particularly heightened these issues as many grappled with working, minding their children and in many houses becoming a teacher.”

“I’m a dad and a husband and I understand the juggling act of home and work life. In my role as a councillor, I have worked with local schools to retain links between local primary and secondary schools for school places. Listened to parents of children with additional needs who have battled for too long to get school places in the area and worked with Minister Josepha Madigan to secure places throughout the constituency.”

“If elected to the Dáil I want to be a voice that will advocate for more investment in childcare, education and our work environments to make life more affordable, manageable and most importantly enjoyable so that people don’t have to choose between work and home – they can do both but in a balanced way.”

James Geoghegan is married to wife, Claire and has two young sons Hugh (3) and Harry (1). If elected James will be a voice in government and will advocate for reforms that will help make the lives of parents easier and more affordable.