Parents criticise lack of work-based crèches

Almost 23,000 families rely on unpaid relatives to mind pre-school children according to the latest Quarterly National Household Survey released today.

However over three times that number - 73,000 - were more likely to use non-parental arrangements particularly if both parents were working.

Many of those interviewed bemoaned the lack of work-based crèches as alternatives to either paid careers or non-paid parental support.

Figures released today also showed that childcare was significantly more expensive in Dublin than in other parts of the country.

Parents paid an average of €4 to €5.50 per hour in the greater Dublin area compared to €3 to €4.70 per hour elsewhere.

The average national weekly payment for childcare amounted to €97.47 for those working a normal 40 hour week with pre-school children requiring the most care.