Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
64. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide details on the latest actions he has taken within his Department to improve the working conditions of professionals in the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48438/23]
View answerProviders of early learning and care and school-age childcare are private businesses. As the State does not employ staff in ELC and SAC services, neither I nor my Department can set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff in the sector.
However, there is now, through the independent Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process, a formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate terms and conditions of employment including minimum pay rates for different roles in ELC and SAC services. In line with the provisions of the Industrial Relations Acts, the JLC is independent in its functions, and I do not have a role in its statutory processes.
The Employment Regulation Orders (ERO) negotiated by the JLC and given effect in September 2022 were a significant milestone in efforts to improve pay in the sector. It is my Department's understanding that the JLC is continuing to meet to discuss possible changes to the EROs.
The EROs are being supported by Core Funding. €303m has been allocated for Core Funding in 2024, a 14% increase on the 2023 investment IN the scheme. This substantial increase on the 2023 allocation will support continued implementation of the scheme for the second programme year, September 2023 to August 2024 and into the third programme year from September 2024. ?
In addition, in December 2021, I published "Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028". Nurturing Skills aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in early learning and care and school-age childcare and to raise the profile of careers in the sector. It includes a career framework and commitments to support early years educators to upskill and develop their careers. It also includes commitments to strengthen continuing professional development for staff working in the sector.
