Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

One question comes up when I read this. We know that the gender make-up of childcare workers is primarily women. In Mr. O'Connor's experience, is there a class element too? I know that in many community colleges that serve communities that are less likely to go on to level 8 or level 9 honours degrees, people would be pushed towards childcare, such as in An Cosán. It is sold as a career choice. From the experience of Mr. O'Connor and SIPTU's members, what are the demographics of childcare workers beyond gender? Is there a class element? How professional do we see the sector as being? Are we funnelling working-class people into low-paid jobs even though it is a professional sector?