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Childcare Qualifications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Ceisteanna (513)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

513. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has read a survey by a union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6018/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware of the publication of the results of the SIPTU Big Start Campaign's Early Years Professionals Survey 2020. Many of the issues highlighted in the survey, in particular the level of pay among those working in early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SLC), are issues on which I have been actively engaging since becoming Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

I am very conscious need for significant improvement in pay and working conditions for practitioners in ELC and SAC services. The level of pay they receive does not reflect the value of the work they do for children, for families and for the wider society and economy. It also contributes to challenges of recruitment and retention of staff, which are key to the consistency of care provided to children. The risk of practitioners seeking to leave the sector is one that is highlighted in the SIPTU Big Start Campaign's 2020 survey. The most recent published data indicates that the average hourly wage in the sector was €12.55 in mid-2019.

As the State is not the employer, my Department does not set wage levels nor determine working conditions for staff working in the sector. My Department has, however, over a number of years provided a range of supports to service providers to enable them to improve wages and working conditions. However, wages in the sector remain too low. Given the importance of the issue, it is imperative that my Department continues to engage with provider and staff representatives.

In December 2020, working in partnership with SIPTU and CSI/IBEC, I began a short process in which interested parties were invited to discuss how best to address issues of pay and conditions in the sector and how a Joint Labour Committee might support this. Dr Kevin Duffy, former Chair of the Labour Court, chaired the meetings, which concluded in the last few days. Dr Duffy will shortly submit to me a report outlining the issues and possible solutions raised in the process, and making a recommendation on next steps.  I am hopeful that implementation of his recommendation will support progress in addressing pay and conditions in the sector.

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