First it was bin tax, then water tax and, now, even babysitting money is targeted for tax.

Childminding Ireland has welcomed Minister Cowen's Budget, which it believes acknowledges the contribution played by Childminders in the childcare sector for the first time.

MANAGEMENT at crèches in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the country are fearing service cutbacks as they await the outcome of a funding review being conducted by the Department of Justice.