Local childcare providers will meet in Kilkenny later to brainstorm on a range of issues in the sector.
Cost is likely to be a hot topic given the findings of an OECD report last week which said Ireland is the most expensive country in the word for childcare.
Early childhood Ireland is organising the gathering which it says is an opportunity to hear from its members before it puts together a submission for the next Budget.
Chief executive Teresa Heeney says the subject of investment by the Government is just as important as the cost issue.