'Impossible' to fulfill second free pre-school year says Early Childhood Ireland

Parents are facing a scramble for childcare after a warning that there will not be enough places for all children when the second free preschool year starts in less than five months’ time, writes Irish Examiner reporter Caroline Doherty.

Childcare providers say it is impossible to extend their premises, opening hours, and staff to cater for all 60,000 extra children made eligible for the scheme in a budget move last October.