Thousands of people are protesting through Dublin's city centre against standards in the childcare sector.
More than 1,700 creches have closed as a result of the one day demonstration, organised by the Early Years Alliance, .
They're rallying over poor wages and a lack of funding in the industry.
Charmian Ní Bhriain of Naionra Gharbain Preschool in Dungarvan is taking part in the protest:
"There's thousands and thousands and thousands of people here. I'm actually shocked by the amount of people that are here because six years ago there wasn't half this number here protesting. So, obviously the word has gotten out that enough is enough.
"Parents and families are getting great benefits for their childcare, which they're entitled to, but we the providers are getting nothing. We don't get paid for Christmas holidays, summer or Easter holidays; when we finish at the end of June we have to go on the dole. And do you know what, what we get on the dole is nearly our wages anyway. The other thing is insurance hikes; we're down to one insurance company in Ireland willing to insure us. That's not good enough."
