The high cost of childcare means that nearly one in five lone parents are better off not working.

Pockets of positive investment in Budget a sign the Government is repairing some of the damage austerity has had on children: Barnardos.

Think tank urges Government to invest in social infrastructure and services which "will pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future".

“This is not the time for tax cuts. All available resources should be used to address Ireland’s major deficits in areas such as caring, housing and poverty."

Mary Rafferty was mistaken in saying Fr Edward Flanagan had ‘blown the whistle’ on Irish industrial schools.