Affordable childcare must be made available if women are to pay a full part in public and civil life, the National Women’s Council of Ireland has said.

In a letter sent to Minister for Children James Reilly, the women’s council calls for the introduction of an “affordable quality childcare infrastructure” in the October budget.

Paid leave must be part of any childcare measures to reconcile work and family life, said women’s council director Orla O’Connor.