The lack of good-quality, affordable childcare was pinpointed as the biggest barrier preventing lone parents from working in a report by Ireland's National Economic and Social Forum. The report said, 'The current state of the childcare market presents particularly difficult policy challenges in relation to the reimbursement of childcare costs. Most childcare in Ireland takes place in the informal sector. Efforts are being made to professionalise childcare provision, both in relation to standards and tax compliance. However, in the interim, parents have little option but to use informal arrangements.'
The lack of good-quality, affordable childcare was pinpointed as the biggest barrier preventing lone parents from working in a report by Ireland's National Economic and Social Forum. The report said, 'The current state of the childcare market presents particularly difficult policy challenges in relation to the reimbursement of childcare costs. Most childcare in Ireland takes place in the informal sector. Efforts are being made to professionalise childcare provision, both in relation to standards and tax compliance. However, in the interim, parents have little option but to use informal arrangements.'