Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2015
161. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide the minimum salary levels for employees of child care providers, who are in receipt of the capitation fee, in view of the fact that the capitation rate for the free preschool year is a major factor affecting salary levels in child care provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7739/15]
View answerThe Government provides €260 million annually to a number of childcare support programmes that assist parents with the cost of childcare. This figure includes €175 million provided annually to support the universal free pre-school provision under the Early Childhood Care and Education programme. These programmes are, of course, in addition to the support provided to all parents in the form of Child Benefit.
The funding provided through the childcare support programmes has had a significant impact on childcare provision and has enabled many childcare providers to continue to deliver childcare services at a time of economic difficulty. The funding has also ensured that employment levels across the sector have been maintained. The retention of the current level of investment in childcare is a considerable achievement, given the pressure on the public finances over the last number of years.
I recognise the difficulties being faced by childcare providers and I am aware of the concerns of childcare professionals in relation to levels of remuneration in the childcare sector. I met recently with their representatives to discuss a range of issues relating to childcare provision and I am giving careful consideration to their views on future developments in the sector.
The remuneration for childcare workers is a matter for agreement between employers and employees. Staff remuneration does account for the great proportion of the overall cost of providing childcare services and I acknowledge that increased capitation and subvention payments through the childcare support programmes would assist childcare services in addressing these cost issues. I have indicated that, if resources become available to my Department, I will consider the scope for increasing the level of these payments.
However, I want to look at the question of appropriate supports for child care in a wider context. It is crucial that we develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare services. To ensure that all the benefits of our full range of childcare investments are fully realised, future public investment in childcare must be evidence-based and strategically coordinated. I have established an Inter-departmental Group to look at the provision right across the 0 to 6 age group as well as to consider the after-school needs of older school-going children. I have asked the Group to report to me by the Summer.
