The government is being urged to provide clarity on how many extra childcare places will be needed following the budget decision to to extend free childcare to children aged between 3 and 5.

Childcare providers are warning that many creches will have to close - as there are simply not enough places to cater for the extra demand.

Teresa Heeney is Chief Executive of Early Childhood Ireland, which represents 3,500 childcare workers.

She wants the government to give a breakdown on exactly how many spaces will be needed under the new scheme: 

Teresa says childcare providers will also need more time to recruit and train extra staff: