EXCERPTS

Childcare is a major issue as the general election approaches, according to a survey.

A significant 72% of respondents said their votes would be influenced by the availability of affordable childcare, while 66% said the current Government has performed 'poorly' or 'very poorly'

Sixty-three per cent of respondents said they would change employment and take a pay cut in order to access crèche facilities in their place of work.

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Aoife Curtin of RecruitIreland.com said: "Childcare is obviously a loaded issue for parents and it looks as if it's going to be a key issue in the next election.

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"In addition the stress, both financial and emotional, brought on by the lack of affordable childcare facilities is one that everyone should take notice of.

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- reprinted from the Irish Examiner