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From:Department of Children, Disability and Equality

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has welcomed the new proposals for, over 6% increases to minimum rates of pay for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners.

The proposals have been put forward by the Joint Labour Committee, which is made up of employer and worker representatives. It has the responsibility for setting minimum rates of pay for over 39,000 staff in the early years and childcare sector.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has allocated €45 million in ringfenced funding in this current Core Funding programme year to support Partner Services with the cost of increasing pay. That allocation is contingent to new EROs being established, which has been the subject of the negotiations at the Joint Labour Committee.

Minister Foley expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the Joint Labour Committee and acknowledged their independence in the negotiation process:

“The new proposals of on average over 6 per cent increases in minimum pay represent a significant step toward ensuring fair pay for educators and practitioners working in the sector. I am committed to ensuring the successful implementation of these proposals by providing a ring-fenced allocation of €45 million over a full year. This allocation has been specifically earmarked to support services in meeting the cost of the proposed increases in pay and conditions.”

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Joint Labour Committee in these negotiations and their vital role in advancing the professionalism and value of those working in the sector.

"If these proposals are implemented through updated Employment Regulation Orders, they will bring much-needed improvements in pay for these dedicated professionals, enhancing the quality of care and education provided to children across Ireland.

"I am hopeful that these proposals will soon come into effect, marking a positive change for our dedicated and skilled staff in the early learning and childcare sector and the services that employ them.”