We have to compliment them on that. They have played a significant role during the pandemic. A new funding model will be a key vehicle to ensuring that such significant additional investments deliver for children, families and the State. I know all Members share the aims of achieving equality for children, affordability for parents, stability for providers and supports for employers, as well as improving pay and conditions for staff. The figures indicate that 42% of early years educators are actively looking for a job outside childcare, with 75% of them identifying low pay as the reason for leaving their profession. These are professionals but many of them only earn €12.40 an hour. A provider told me she would love there to be some kind of individual coaching in the sector to support providers to grow and succeed and achieve their aims as well as those of the Government. What are the next steps for the development of a work plan for the sector?

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