Thousands of parents could be left without childcare as creches are being forced to reduce the places they can offer.

This is because new Government rules say there needs to be a minimum of a 1:12 adult-to-child ratio in the classroom.

Opposition TDs have said they have been “inundated” with concerns from parents, and one of those is Willie O’Dea, Fianna Fail TD for Limerick and spokesperson on Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

He told Ivan about his fears that thousands of children could be discommoded.