Ireland has greatest reliance on private childcare services in OECD

OECD data from 2017 showed that Ireland, alongside New Zealand, had the highest percentage of children attending private services at 99%, well above the OECD average of 34% and EU average of 27%. Picture: PA Ireland has the highest level of private childcare services in Europe and among OECD countries as well as a lower than average level of government investment.

Ireland has the highest level of private childcare services in Europe and among OECD countries as well as a lower than average level of government investment.

That’s according to a new research paper published by the Oireachtas Library and Research Services, which highlighted a number of challenges should the next government seek to introduce a “universal” preschool scheme.