A lack of affordable childcare is having a significant knock-on effect on the economy.
That's according to Cork SIPTU organiser Theresa Butler who was speaking following the launch of the union's proposal for the Early Years sector.
SIPTU say underfunding has resulted in low pay and high staff turnover and have proposed a move from the current market model to one funded by the government.
The Union say the move will make childcare more affordable and accessible as well as ensuring quality outcomes for all children.
Speaking to RedFM News, Theresa Butler from SIPTU's Big Start campaign says returning to work after the restrictions are lifted may not be an option for some parents.
"The high cost of childcare is having a knock on effect on retention in the sector, which has an effect on quality for children.
"It's also having an effect on the workforce on parents being able to return to work.
"It's also having an effect on the pay and conditions in the sector, because as providers struggle to keep childcare affordable, the biggest cost for them is payroll, which accounts for up to 80% of their costs.
"So if they're trying to squeeze that, the first thing they hit is pay and conditions."
