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Joint Labour Committees

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Questions (132, 138)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

132. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has engaged with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to ensure that the outcomes of the Joint Labour Committee process on the early years sector will be in a position to be supported by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5496/22]

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Neale Richmond

Question:

138. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagement that he has had with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to ensure the outcomes of the Joint Labour Committee process on the early years sector will be in a position to be supported by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5138/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 138 together.

Improving pay and conditions for those working in the early learning and childcare sector is a key priority, particularly given the significant impacts of pay and conditions on quality for children.

The Programme for Government committed to supporting the establishment of a Joint Labour Committee (JLC) in the sector and the drawing up of an Employment Regulation Order. I initiated a pre-JLC process in December 2020 and I was happy to see this result in an Establishment Order being signed by Minister English which came into effect in July and JLC members being appointed in November. This JLC is now meeting and considering the issues.

As part of estimates process for Budget 2022, I engaged extensively with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the package of measures for this year. A major new development for the early learning and childcare sector announced as part of the budget was the introduction of a new Core Funding stream, specifically designed to support the drawing up of an Employment Regulation Order by the JLC, along with affordability for parents and sustainability for services.

Investing in Core Funding to support the JLC process was also part of the recommendations of an Expert Group on a new funding model for the sector, Partnership for the Public Good published in December.

€69 million has been allocated for Core Funding to operate from September 2022. This is equivalent to €207 million in a full year and is a very substantial additional investment in the sector.

The precise implications of the funding for staff terms and conditions depends on the agreement by the JLC. However, I believe that the level of funding provided is significant enough to achieve a substantial improvement in levels of staff pay and the development of career frameworks which are fundamental to improving quality in the sector and supporting the retention and progression of staff.

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