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Childcare Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021

Thursday, 7 October 2021

Questions (139, 148)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

139. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his proposals to ensure that childcare providers have the resources to pay adequate wages to staff in childcare centres in order for childcare to become an attractive career; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48303/21]

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Denis Naughten

Question:

148. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he plans to take to improve the pay and conditions of childcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47518/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 148 together.

I am conscious of the need for significant improvement in pay and conditions of employment for early learning and childcare professionals. The level of pay they receive does not reflect the value of the work they do for children, families and the wider society and economy.

The State, however, is not the employer and therefore cannot determine wages in the sector. Nevertheless, I am committed to doing what is in my power. That is why last December, I began a process to examine the possibility of regulating pay and conditions in the sector and the suitability of a Joint Labour Committee (or "JLC"). In agreement with IBEC/Childhood Services Ireland, and SIPTU, I appointed Dr Kevin Duffy, former Chair of the Labour Court, to be the independent chair of this process.

On foot of Dr Duffy’s report, on 11 March, I wrote to the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, recommending the establishment of a JLC for the sector.

In line with the provisions of the Industrial Relations Acts, the Labour Court recommended establishment of a JLC, and the Minister of State has now accepted the Labour Court’s recommendations.

I am pleased to confirm that the Establishment Order came into effect on 1 July last. The JLC will provide an opportunity for unions and employer representatives to work together to determine pay and conditions for early learning and childcare professionals.

Work is also progressing on a new funding mode for the sector, with recommendations from the Expert Group due to be made in November. I anticipate that the report will offer potential new avenues through which the State can support providers to improve pay and to meet the requirements of any future Employment Regulation Order that may arise from the JLC.

Work on a new Workforce Development Plan is also well advanced, with the final report due for completion by the end of the year.

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