Many families are struggling to find childcare.
Over 25 organisations have joined forces calling for the introduction of a public childcare model.
Together for Public says a State-run system should be accessible to parents from when their children are babies.
Families are struggling to find childcare because of high costs, a lack of places, and a high turnover of staff.
Mother of two from Offaly, Rebecca, had a stressful time finding something suitable:
Sentencing Of €8.4m Cocaine Pilot Delayed After 'Breakdown' With Legal Team
Michal Luczak, 44, was due to appear for sentencing at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court.
Councillors Push For Local Link Service Between Westmeath Towns
Kinnegad Labour councillor Denis Leonard says it's vital for the area.
Midlands MEP warns EU of 'serious costs crisis'
He's calling on the Commission to consider suspending tariffs on fertiliser imports.
TUS Athlone Students Voice Concerns Over Rising Fuel Costs
It comes as Finance Minister Simon Harris says the government is reviewing the numbers affected by high fuel costs.
Revenue Seize Over €94k Of Contraband In Various Operations
Seizures were made in the Midlands, Dublin, Kilkenny and Rosslare Europort.
Over €7.4 Million Announced For Housing Adaption Grants For Midlands
The grants will improve homes for older people and disabled people in the region.
Three Hour Commute Forced Midlands Woman To Leave Dublin Hospital Job
Deirdre Gowran worked in Crumlin Children's Hospital.
Westmeath Fundraising Committee Seek Volunteers For 24 Hour Walk
'Relay for Life' is returning to Tyrellspass this September to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
Snow Could Be On The Cards This Week Despite Longer Evenings
Different parts of the country woke up to snow on Friday morning.
First Laois Finalist In National Heritage Awards
The Malt House is based in Stradbally.
'Hocus Pocus… No More Focus' Driver Caught In Laois Hours Into Driving Ban
The driver is due to appear before the courts.
Tolü Makay And Katelyn Cummins Into Dancing With the Stars Final
The midlands stars will be performing for victory this Sunday.
Over €65K Funding For Midlands Agricultural Shows
The shows are taking place in summer this year.
Westmeath TD Condemns Arson Attacks On Westmeath Churches
Churches in Castletown Geoghegan and Kilbeggan were attacked over the weekend.
Road Hauliers Warn Of Rolling Protests Over Rising Fuel Costs
Hauliers want to see carbon tax abolished.
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses To Vandalised Westmeath Train
The incident happened on Saturday.
Giant Concrete Pipes Depart Offaly Concrete Company For Bypass Project
The pipes are making their journey from Tullamore's Condron Concrete to the site in Limerick.
Further Grants Possible To Help Homeowners With Rising Costs - Taoiseach
Micheal Martin says the situation is being closely monitored as conflict in the Middle East unfolds.
Laois County Council Launch Centenarian Award
Breda Fitzpatrick is the first ever recipient of the council's award.
Midlands Set To Get €7.2M For Retrofitting Social Homes
It comes from the Housing Departments' Energy Retrofit Programme.
