Representative groups are appealing for the childcare sector to be a higher priority.
More outbreaks of covid in childcare settings are likely, if the government doesn't provide more support.
That's according to the Federation of Early Childhood Providers.
12 of the 64 children who attend the a creche in Tullamore have tested positive for the virus, along with eight staff members - with further test results due back this evening.
FECP says while the HSE is happy all covid measures were adhered to, the facility is to stay closed until at least Friday.
Chairperson of the group, Elaine Dunne says the sector is too vulnerable to the transmission of covid:
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