It's a hot topic now but childcare is likely to be an even bigger issue in the coming years, as new figures reveal Ireland is experiencing a baby boom.
There were 14.4 babies born per 1,000 people resident in the State in 2013, significantly more than the EU average of 10.1.
It's not quite clear whether improving economic conditions or the opposite (a lack of funds for extracurricular activities) are contributing factors, but there's no doubt about it: the bump is back.
Happily, our population of 4.6 million also boast the lowest death rates in Europe at 6.4 per cent per 1,000 residents (the EU average is 9.7 per cent).
According to the latest population change statistics released by Eurostat, in 2014, the highest rate of natural increase of population was registered in Ireland (8.1 per 1 000 persons), followed by Cyprus (4.7), France and Luxembourg (both 4.0).
There were 5.1 million babies born in Europe in 2014, a whopping 33,000 more than the previous year.
