PDs holding conference on childcare

The Progressive Democrats are due to hold a conference on childcare in Dublin today amid growing expectations of imminent government action in the area.

The Fianna Fáil-PD coalition is widely expected to introduce measures in the Budget to address the affordability and availability of quality childcare.

Speaking ahead of today's meeting, PD Senator John Minihan said the Government was aware of the strain being suffered by families.

"If we value family as being the core unit of society, we have to address this," he said.