The Children's Minister James Reilly is taking part in a discussion on childcare costs this afternoon, ahead of International Women's Day on Sunday.
The event which is being hosted by the European Commission will also feature contributions representatives from the early childhood education sector.
Figures from the OECD show the cost of childcare in Ireland is the highest in the EU.
The average cost across member states is 12 percent of a family's income, whereas in Ireland, the average is 35 percent.
Head of the European Commission's Representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan, says childcare costs are placing a huge burden on working parents.
