It has been established that by the summer of 2016 the Irish government will have started paying two weeks worth of paternity benefit to fathers across the country.
It is understood that the measure, which is a central component of the Coalition's childcare strategy, will be announced as part of next month's Budget.
In addition to this proposal, consideration will also be given to pre-school and after-school care services, with specific focus on families who have children with special needs.
While these measures will undoubtedly be welcomed by the vast majority of families, the public has been advised that negotiations are ongoing while an overall package is agreed upon.
Commenting on the proposals, one senior minister said: "I am very conscious that we have to cut our cloth to the money that is available to us."
"We are not going to put at risk everything we have achieved by losing the run of ourselves," he continued.
Speaking out about the proposed childcare services, Children's Minister, Dr James Reilly said:"I wish to be able to make a really solid start in this Budget in relation to childcare support that's affordable, accessible and of a quality that improves the outcomes of children and also addresses some of the needs of some of those with special needs in the pre-school area and also after-care."
While insisting the proposed measures can not be implemented over the course of just one year, the minister stressed the importance of establishing a solid foundation for change.
"What we can do is make a strong start and send a very strong message that in this Budget, the first of five more if this Government is re-elected, we will incrementally address the childcare issues through a very clear plan in relation to the areas that are of concern to us," he explained.
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