An investigation has revealed the price difference for creches in the country.
A creche in Laois offers one of the cheapest rates for parents.
An investigation by the Irish Independent found one of the services in the county charges a monthly fee of €595, while the most expensive fee in Laois is €800.
Prices in Offaly range from €640 to €1,000, while in Westmeath it's between €700 and €960.
The survey of 220 creches around the country shows South Dublin offers the most expensive rates, with prices of up to €1,578 reported, while a €340 price tag in Monaghan boasts the cheapest fee.