Covering the cost of childcare is now the largest monthly outgoing for families, eclipsing mortgage payments.

A survey conducted by the Irish Independent revealed parents are having to fork out up to €1,100 per month for a creche place for one child.

This is significantly more than the average mortgage payment of €913 and is forcing many people to choose between staying in work and quitting their jobs.

It was noted the International Monetary Fund's call for the introduction of means-testing child benefit could make the situation even worse for some families.

Orla O'Connor, acting chief executive of the National Women's Council, said:  "Many parents contact us about being forced into part-time work, because they can't afford childcare. It's a huge issue for lone parents as well."

The news comes after a recent study by Barnardo's revealed individuals are struggling to meet back to school costs and are having to go without food to afford uniforms.

Written by Donal Walsh

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