The Labour Party is promising to bring in €2 an hour childcare if it's re-elected.
The state subsidised scheme would apply to children aged between nine months and 12 years and would more than half the average rate paid by parents in creches.
In Dublin parents are shelling out at least €1000 a month on average for one child in full-time care.
The proposed initiative would mean the cost of childcare would be reduced to around €80 a week for one child or €320 a month.
This latest pledge is part of a move by the junior coalition party to attract working parents ahead of the general election.
However the scheme would be introduced on a phased basis over five years at a €500M cost to the taxpayer.
