New research shows there is little difference between the social and emotional health of children who go to creche, and those who stay at home with parents in their early years.

The ESRI has been analysing data from the Growing Up in Ireland study.

Overall it shows the different childcare types have only a small influence on a child's socio-emotional development.

Associate Research Professor Helen Russell says other factors, like finances, social class and even gender have a much bigger impact: