Businesses that pay temporarily laid-off staff over €203 weekly will not be refunded

Majority say they want new government to prioritise investment in childcare

New system launches on Wednesday but low-income families on existing programmes will be allowed to remain on them indefinitely

Childcare providers warn disadvantaged communities will be negatively affected

Scheme starts in October and puts greater administration burden on parents. Be prepared

Early Childhood Ireland says move would not bode well for trust and quality of care

Tinryland Park had been forced to close last month due to surge in cost of insurance

Since the introduction of the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme, children are generally better prepared for the transition from pre-school to primary

‘We need evidence-based investment and a cash payment to grandparents is not that’

Families can look forward to some extra support this autumn, but parents should research their entitlements

NGOs and TDs say it would boost economy and alleviate poverty at Christmas

Government says reforms will bring Ireland into line with other countries