The Children's Minister James Reilly says he is confident there will be enough pre-school places provided next year and in 2017.

But Mr Reilly admits there will be challenges as the coalition's decision to double the free childcare hours to two years.

Currently, 67,000 places are offered - but 127,000 places will be needed by April 2017.

Minister Reilly has told the Dáil that extra providers should have incentives to offer the service.