AGRICULTURE Minister Mary Coughlan will go head-to-head in a debate with Opposition spokespersons Denis Naughten of Fine Gael, Senator Kathleen O’Meara, Labour Party; and Martin Ferris, Sinn Féin at the ICMSA Annual General Meeting today.

A NEW body should be established to oversee inspections of crèches and childcare facilities, Barnardos claimed last night.

A SUBSIDY of up to 40% of the average cost of childcare and free pre-school education for three to four-year-olds are at the heart of the Labour Party’s revamped childcare policy.

Some Irish workers are being forced to spend more on childcare than on their mortgages, it emerged today.

THERE were angry scenes in the Seanad last night as the Government sought to push controversial changes to the Freedom of Information Act through the Oireachtas.