Childcare costs in the Republic of Ireland are so high that they are driving women out of the workforce.
A new report by the OECD has found that the cost of childcare is consuming up to 30 per cent of the average family's disposable income.
Irish costs are among the highest in Europe and rising significantly faster than inflation.
Average costs range from €200 to €350 each week and the OECD says this is driving women from the workforce, particularly when they have a second child.
