Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My final question is to Dr. Lynch. Regarding the pay of childcare workers, it is very concerning that there is a 25% turnover of staff, as referred to by Ms McNally. The person who looks after one's children is the most important person in the child's life after oneself. Perhaps one's husband might be ahead, but the childcare provider is second after him. It is because it is a caring, feminised profession that the pay is so low. The Secretary General expressed his sympathy for the workers' situation, acknowledged their low pay and indicated his high regard for them. However, sympathy, acknowledgement and high regard do not pay bills. It is a matter of great concern that the pay for the mostly female workers in this sector is so low. The Department has a role in regard to pay in the context of the focus on quality. If staff are not adequately paid, we will not attract quality people and, as a consequence, children will suffer. Although the Department does not actually employ the staff, it does have a function in this regard. People are being paid €11.93 per hour.