Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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I thank Mr. O'Connor for his opening statement and highlighting the essential role of high-quality early years care and education that we know enhances children's holistic development. His point that the State spends just 0.3% of GDP on early years care is of considerable concern. It is well below the European average of 0.8% and the UNICEF benchmark recommendation of 1%. I take it that we can assume that the rest is left to families to make up the difference, which explains why childcare is so expensive. Mr. O'Connor highlights that pay is the most significant factor for people leaving the profession. If funding was increased for pay in budget 2020, how could we ensure that it goes to staff? We know that this is primarily a female sector, as Mr. O'Connor mentioned. It is important to acknowledge how sectoral pay issues contribute to the gender pay gap, as does the absence of State provision for childcare. A survey that SIPTU released earlier this year showed that 90% of childcare workers struggled to make ends meet. Some 77% have no work sick pay scheme and 10% receive paid maternity leave from their employer. Do we need statutory requirements to address these issues or would other measures help too?