Hundreds of childcare facilities are set to close today over "crisis" in pay and conditions for childcare workers.
Childcare workers across the country are striking today in relation to poor pay and working conditions, in what they are calling a "crisis".
According to the Irish Times, the Together For Early Years Alliance has said these conditions have reached a crisis point, leading to unsustainable working conditions.
The protest is set to take place today at 12:15 pm in a march that will start in Parnell Square and will finish at the Government Buildings.
Protestors are calling on the next Government to increase funding in order to reduce fees for parents and increase pay for workers to make the system sustainable for all.
According to RTÉ, SIPTU Head of Strategic Organising and Campaigns Darragh O'Connor has claimed that:
"More than 60% of educators earn less than the Living Wage of €12.30 per hour and parents are paying some of the highest fees in Europe."
The lack of financial support for childcare facilities is leading to a high turnover in staff, forcing some childcare centres to close due to an inability to find workers.
Although this will inevitably cause disruption to many families' lives today, many parents are in full support of the childcare strikes.
One parent tweeted that while the strikes are a disruption, "we need our #childcare sector to work for kids, parents & the workers who so diligently mind our children".
Kids around the country are also keen to participate in the action, putting their skills to good use by helping their parents to design posters and picket signs for the march.
Protest organizers are expecting roughly 10,000 people to participate in the march.