Almost half of women consider quitting work over the cost of childcare, according to a new survey.
A new survey by Network Ireland - a group supporting the professional and personal development of women - shows that 49.3% of women say the cost of childcare has made them consider giving up their job.
Over three-quarters (77.5%) of the women surveyed say they deal with work-related emails and calls outside of working hours.
47% of the respondents, meanwhile, reported feeling discriminated against in the workplace because they’re women.
Louisa Meehan, president of Network Ireland, said many women admit to struggling with their work-life balance.
She said: "49.3% of women are considering giving up work or making changes as a direct result of the costs of childcare.
"87% - almost all - are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of a modern life.
"[The survey suggests] the modern work-life, the modern life of juggling work home is directly impacting on the well-being of women and families within our society."
Wendy Grace, broadcaster and columnist, told Newstalk Breakfast we should look at other models of parental leave for working parents - such as the model of shared maternity and paternity leave.
On the subject of childcare, she argued: "The money should follow the child: whatever subsidies are given should go directly to the family to choose to spend how they see best.
"The Government really has to stand back and see what families actually want."
