A family with two children in childcare face paying out €16,500 a year — a cost that may stop people from taking up employment, according to a report.

The Minister for Children said that she is determined to pursue quality in the provision of early childhood care and education.

The Government is being urged to invest more money in training for child care workers.

Barnardos said next month’s budget needs to mark the end of stringent cuts and the beginning of investment in vulnerable families.

The Garda vetting unit does not have the resources to check all people working with children — including childminders and voluntary sports officials.

A senior member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has questioned whether Irish laws on smacking mean parents can be good role models for their children.

THE dangers of further cuts to school staffing and budgets will be worsened by the inability of families to make up the shortfalls, a parents’ leader has warned.