Parents name childcare costs as biggest headache

THE cost, availability and lack of tax relief on childcare facilities is a central concern for Irish parents, a survey found yesterday.

The Calpol Parenting Barometer survey of parents revealed 86% of parents believe Ireland is a good place to raise children, but found that childcare provision is their biggest challenge.

The cost and lack of subsidies for childcare are particularly upsetting for women, with 40% indicating this as a main cause of stress. Men worry more about their children getting into trouble, with 47% of fathers saying that this gave them cause for concern.