The Government is considering new measures to subsidise after-school childcare and introduce paid paternity leave.
Minister for Children James Reilly is due to receive a report from an expert group tasked with investigating the options next month.
While low income families already receive €40 per week to pay for afterschool childcare, according to a report in The Irish Times, the group is set to suggest that an after-school programme could be offered to families in other income groups too. It is expected that those on lower incomes will pay less for the service.
The group is looking to New Zealand as an example, where children are looked after from 7am before school and until 5.30pm after school, with childcare also available throughout the school holidays.
A spokesman for Dr Reilly said the recommendations "are subject to debate".
The final report is expected in June.
