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

I agree 100% with that. It is frustrating for those who are working in the sector. They feel that they have been undervalued for many years. Everyone can say how great they are but their getting a pay increase is the best way of illustrating that. We want there to be a wage scale in order that people can progress. Continuous professional development is a key part of this. A point that is made regularly is that in the school system there are in-service days for teachers but there is no such provision in the early years sector. We definitely need to move to providing in-service training such as that in the early years sector.

I support the JLC talks and the employment regulation order but if they cannot get that over the line, even with the best will on the side of the workers, what will happen then? Will the funding be fully withdrawn? Will it be extended if they are halfway through the talks or progress seems to have been made? When will a decision on that be made? I am conscious that it is now July and it is hoped the process will be completed by September.

See this speech in context