Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
644. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a matter regarding staffing childcare facilities (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53013/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge that many early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services are reporting staffing and recruitment difficulties, with increased pressures as a result of COVID-19. My Department is actively monitoring the issue and has sought data and evidence-based proposals from sectoral representatives.
The primary data-source for the sector is the Annual Early Years Sector Profile. In the most recent published Sector Profile (published in 2021, and relating to data from 2020), 44% of services reported challenges in recruiting suitably qualified staff over the past 12 months. While this figure was down 9% from the previous year, it remains high. The staff turnover rate has similarly fallen from 23% to 18%.
Recruitment and retention difficulties in the sector are undoubtedly linked to poor terms and conditions in the workforce, with for example the average pay being €12.45 per hour.
I am conscious of the need for 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.
As the State does not employ ELC and SAC practitioners, I cannot set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff 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.
I am committed to doing what is in my power to improve wages and working conditions. 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 (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, which Minister English accepted. The Establishment Order came into effect in July 2021. The JLC will provide an opportunity for unions and employer representatives to work together to determine wages and working conditions for ELC and SAC.
In addition, work on a Workforce Development Plan for ELC and SAC continues, with a final report expected by the end of the year.
In relation to administration of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), which is the other matter raised in the question, the introduction of the NCS removed the administrative burden from ELC/SAC providers of applying for childcare supports on a parent’s behalf. Parents now apply to the Scheme directly, and only approach ELC/SAC providers once they have completed their application and have a CHICK to register.
ELC/SAC providers are not required to alter their service structure, admissions policies or fees to participate in the NCS. The Scheme is designed to acknowledge that childcare needs differ widely across different families, and this is why subsidies are offered on an hourly basis.
However, parents and providers continue to agree on the amount of childcare that is needed and can be provided. The NCS pays subsidies based on the hours of care agreed between the provider and the parent, up to the maximum hours awarded to the parent. Providers are not required to change their policies or operations.
I am aware of the challenges faced by providers in changing to a new scheme and a new IT system.
The NCS Chick registration is the same for all awards. There are detailed instructions on this on the NCS website https://earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/how-to-guides/how-to-guides-ncs/registrations-ncs/.
The instructions include 3 training videos and a Quick Guide:
- Registering a child on NCS using a CHICK (Pre-ECCE age)
- Registering an ECCE child on NCS using a CHICK
- Registering an ECCE child on NCS using a CHICK (Adding non-term hours)
Pobal as scheme administrator have provided comprehensive training and information resources and will continue to support providers in this way. If a provider needs additional assistance when registering a CHICK they can contact the Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC), which is a designated point of contact for service providers. The EYPC is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (10am to 5pm on Wednesday). The can also contact the EYPC by calling 01 511 7222 or by email at EYPC@pobal.ie.
