Childcare providers in the region are today highlighting the lack of government funding and poor wages in the sector, with many of them gone to Dublin to take part in a protest organised by the Early Years Alliance.
More than 1,700 childcare facilities, including daycare and pre-school services, are closed as part of the action, which includes a walk from Parnell Square to the Dail.
Childcare and creche staff unable to go to Dublin -- many of whom are parents themselves -- have also been making their feelings known, among them those who work in Young Explorers Childcare in Collooney, Co Sligo.
It cares for more than 80 children, aged from one to 12 years, and is open from 7am to 7pm five days a week for 50 weeks of the year.
Owner Manager Avril Hunt has been telling Ocean FM News why they are taking today's action:
https://filedn.com/lglCaxamfnlV2gaMY6rU7tH/News%20Clips%202019/Avril%20Hunt%20.mp3
Nicola Davis, a childcare facilitator at Young Explorers' Childcare, believes people outside the sector do not fully realise the difficulties it faces.
https://filedn.com/lglCaxamfnlV2gaMY6rU7tH/News%20Clips%202019/nicola%20davis.mp3
