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Childcare costs vary from county-to-county - often significantly - while costs here fare poorly against almost every other European country

How childcare costs stack up across Ireland, and Europe

Childcare is often referred to as a second mortgage for families; Adam Maguire takes a look at how the cost stacks up across the country and how it compares to the rest of Europe.

Business • 10 Jul 22

Childcare is scheduled to open on a phased basis for essential workers on 29 June

Soothers and blankets face ban in reopened creches

Childcare centres could be forced to reduce the number of items brought in by children to prevent Covid-19 infection when they reopen.

Coronavirus • 15 May 20

Crèches will be expected to hold the places of children

Payment of crèche fees welcomed by childcare groups

Childcare workers are to be paid in full and parents won't have to pay crèche fees for three months under new emergency measures announced by the Minister for Children.

Coronavirus • 25 Mar 20

The Hyde & Seek chain has been hit by more resignations

Staff resign at Hyde & Seek crèche chain

A number of members of a new management team put in place at Hyde & Seek Childcare following an RTÉ investigation into care standards at the Dublin crèche chain are understood to have resigned their positions in recent days.

Ireland • 20 Nov 19

Several families contacted RTÉ with concerns over the care of the children (Stock photo)

Hyde and Seek Childcare take High Court insurance case

The Dublin crèche chain at the centre of an RTÉ Investigates undercover documentary has taken a High Court action aimed at preventing the cancellation of its insurance policies for four crèches.

Courts • 09 Nov 19

Anne Rabbitte said that Minister Katherine Zappone must now move to reassure parents

Parents kept 'in the dark' over creches - Rabbitte

The Child and Family Agency, TUSLA, has been accused of keeping parents 'in the dark' about 27 crèches the agency is currently moving to close down.

investigations unit • 07 Nov 19

RTÉ Investigates highlighted concerns surrounding the standards of care at Hyde & Seek crèches

Details sought from Tusla on 37 'critical list' crèches

A childcare expert has said that more questions than answers remain following Tusla's appearance before an Oireachtas Committee following the broadcast of the RTÉ Investigates programme on crèches.

Ireland • 01 Aug 19

Oireachtas Committee to discuss crèches concerns

Officials from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, are due to appear before an Oireachtas committee next week to discuss revelations contained in an RTÉ Investigates programme on childcare facilities.

Ireland • 01 Aug 19

Hyde & Seek is to bring in external experts to review its management structure

Gardaí to investigate issues raised in crèche report

The Garda Child Protection Unit is to open an investigation, along with the Tusla Social Work Unit, into the issues raised by RTÉ Investigates into standards of care at the Hyde & Seek Childcare chain.

Ireland • 26 Jul 19

Childcare workers march over sector funding

Around 1,000 people involved in the childcare sector have assembled outside Leinster House in pursuit of better funding for the sector.

News • 17 Feb 15

Creche staff were informed of the closure on 14 May

Creche at Tallaght Hospital to close

Tallaght Hospital in Dublin has said that the creche at the hospital is to close at the end of August.

News • 21 May 14

There will be tighter controls and tougher sanctions under new measures

Supervision regime at creches to be strengthened

Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald is to strengthen the supervision regime in Irish creches and childcare facilities.

News • 24 Sep 13

Creche inspection reports to become available online at the end of the month

Second free pre-school year not in Budget

The Department of Children has confirmed that a second free pre-school year will not be included in October's Budget.

News • 02 Jun 13

The new Child and Family Agency is expected to be established within weeks

Call for private creches to pay 'significant' fee

The chief executive-designate of the Child and Family Agency has said there should be a significant registration fee for all private creches and preschools.

News • 01 Jun 13

Call for an official response from large-for-profit creche chains was needed

Creche chains criticised for silence

Large for-profit creche chains have been criticised for their reaction following the broadcast of a Prime Time programme on standards earlier this week.

News • 31 May 13

Frances Fitzgerald has asked the HSE to assess if any patterns exist

Créche reports to be online 'within weeks'

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald has said parents will be able to go online "within a matter of weeks" to look at inspection reports on the crèche their child attends.

News • 30 May 13

Sick pay plan proposal may impact childcare

A new survey suggests that over half of the country's preschools and crèches may have to close if they are required to pay the first month's sick pay for absent staff.

News • 02 Aug 12

Creche