Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
167. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the newly announced pay rates for the childcare sector will include recognition of long service or an incremental pay scale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50311/22]
View answerAs the State does not employ early years educators or school-age childcare practitioners, I cannot set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff in the sector.
However, there is now, through the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process, a formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate pay rates for the early learning and childcare sector.
This is an independent process and neither I, nor my Department, are represented on the JLC. It is a matter for the JLC members to negotiate and agree minimum rates of pay and working conditions.
On 15 September 2022, the first ever Employment Regulation Orders for Early Years Services came into effect, setting new minimum hourly rates of pay for various roles in services. The Employment Regulation Orders will mean improved pay for over 70% of employees in Early Years Services.
This historic achievement is supported by the new Core Funding scheme, which will see increases in funding to early learning and childcare services to support improvements in staff wages, alongside a commitment to freeze parental fees. Core Funding also commenced on 15 September 2022.
The Employment Regulation Orders include specific recognition for different roles and qualification levels, thus creating a new pay structure within Early Years Services. The new minimum hourly rates of pay are as follows:
- €13.00 for Early Years Educators/ School-Age Childcare practitioners;
- €14.00 for Early Years Lead Educators / School-Age Childcare co-ordinators;
- €15.50 for Graduate Early Years Lead Educators / School-Age Childcare co-ordinators
- €15.70 for Deputy Managers;
- €16.50 for Managers; and
- €17.25 for Graduate Managers.
