Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We hear much about quality in relation to the early years and child care sector, but consistency equals quality. In order to have consistency we must ensure we encourage staff to enter the sector and then remain in it. The Minister will be aware that I have been undertaking a report in recent months. People working in the sector have told me time and again that they would love to remain working in it but unfortunately they cannot because they are not paid enough and they have to sign on during summer months. Eventually they leave. Many of them go on to train as special needs assistants or in primary education, although that is not what they wanted to do originally. That is not what we want for that sector either. If personnel are constantly changing when caring for children, we will not have quality child care. That cannot be the case. Any review or analysis that has been done shows there have to be realistic wages in the sector. We should start with a living wage.

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