Dáil debates

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Covid-19 (Childcare): Statements

 

1:10 pm

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her questions and her recognition of the sector. As she knows, the employee wage subsidy scheme is an all-of-economy support. We were successful in having it applied to the entire childcare sector and in having an exemption from the turnover requirements. It has been essential in supporting the sustainability of services. It is due to end at the end of March, at which time the Government will be reviewing the additional supports that need to be put in place for the economy.

I am very conscious of the low wages in the sector. The Government has committed to prioritising addressing that. As I outlined today, we have made the first steps towards that in the pre-JLC process, which I am very pleased to see has taken place successfully. I am to get a report from Dr. Kevin Duffy in the coming days. I look forward to updating the House on the measures I will take to make progress on that.

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