A local childcare provider has warned that staffing problems in the sector are at a "crisis level".
Paula Donohoe, of Clever Clogs in Ballyconnell, says staff retention is a huge issue due to pay conditions and added that numerous appeals have been made to government.
A study conducted by SIPTU has found that 90 per cent of childcare workers say they struggle to make ends meet, despite many being educated to degree level.
Meanwhile, 40 per cent of those in the sector are actively looking for jobs in other industries.
Paula joined Aaron McElroy on The Wider View and said the survey findings are very similar to what she's seeing.