Childcare workers protest outside Leinster House

Hundreds of childcare workers are protesting outside Leinster House today - calling for more investment in the profession.

The Association of Childhood Professionals says Ireland spends zero point two percent of GDP on the early childhood sector - compared to the OECD average of 0.7 percent.

Some 25 thousand people work in the sector - where the average rate of pay is just 11 euro an hour.

Eileen Cotter of Happy Days Playgroup in Belgard in Dublin explains why she's protesting today;