Budget to favour public services with €4bn extra for core spending

Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman has already received Cabinet approval to change the legal status of childminders to allow them to be brought into the National Childcare Scheme. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

A significant cut to childcare costs, along with structural changes to the sector, will form part of October's budget.

As the Government today prepares to unveil the broad parameters of the budget, it is understood Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman is pushing for a cut of up to 25% in childcare costs, as well as Deis-style scheme for early years care.