Fianna Fáil has said it would give tax credits to working parents for childcare if was in government after the next election.
RTÉ News understands that the proposal will form part of the party's policy on childcare, which will be published next week.
The tax credits would be offered on a tiered basis which would mean that those earning less would benefit greatest.
Fianna Fáil is pledging to increase maternity leave beyond the current 26 weeks.
The party is also promising to extend the State-funded universal pre-school year to three year olds.
Funding for this sector for training and facilities would also be increased, the party said.
These proposals follow a year of consultation with groups working in the childcare area.
