The National Women's Council of Ireland held a Day of Action in Dublin on Tuesday, calling for more affordable childcare.
Parents, providers and campaigners took part in the event at Liberty Hall.
Director of the National Women's Council of Ireland, Orla O’Connor says although progress is being made on affordability, the Government needs to do more.
"In last year's budget, there was a commitment to reduce childcare fees by 50%, and they went half of that way last year.
"They have to follow that in this year's budget as well.
"So we're saying there needs to be another substantial reduction and really importantly, we need to move to a not-for-profit, public model for providing childcare".
"We're really trying to highlight to the Government how important it is to place a priority on childcare in Budget 2024, but also beyond the budget.
"What we're saying very clearly is that the current situation in relation to childcare is very difficult for parents.
"We still have some of the highest costs across Europe".
Separately, childcare providers are planning to close their doors for three days next week in protest against what they're describing as spiraling costs which are affecting the viability of their business.
The Federation of Early Childhood Providers is warning the closures, from Tuesday to Thursday next week, will affect 90,000 children and their parents.
