The Government is being asked to re-invest €300m in the pre-school sector.

Childcare professionals from creches and day-schools will join Early Childhood Ireland in launching a pre-budget submission today.

They'll be stressing that investment in quality care and learning is vital for childrens development.

The document follows a nationwide consultation process and its release is being timed to drive debate with the local and European election candidates.

Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, says money taken out of the sector five years ago, must be re-invested: