Subsidised after-school childcare and paid paternity leave are just some of the new measures under consideration by the Government.

The Irish Times says the Children's Minister James Reilly has commissioned a group to examine the issue of childcare - its report is due next month.

An after school childcare programme already exists for low income families, with the state paying €40 a week per child.

Minister James Reilly has tasked a group to look at the issue of childcare as a whole. It is set to report that an after-school programme could be extended to families in other income groups - with those earning less, paying less.

It cites the example of New Zealand where a similar scheme is already in operation. It opens from 7am to 8.30am before school, and from after school until 5.30pm. It also runs right through the holidays.

The Irish group is also considering paid paternity leave, and extending periods of shared parental leave to as much as a year.