SIPTU: Lower paid hardest hit by rising childcare fees

SIPTU has warned that parents in low paid jobs are being hit by the rise in childcare fees.

The Union has organised a meeting of parents and childcare employees in Dublin today to discuss the increases, which it claims are as high as 90% in some areas.

New funding arrangements have hit community crèches in particular, according to the union.

If these increases continue it could be a huge deterrent to people who are trying to train or return to work, said spokesperson Darragh O'Connor.

"While the economy may not be as flush as it used to be, the Government needs to prioritise it's spending to include children's needs," Mr O'Connor said.