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

The contract for core funding was issued in the past two weeks. Childcare providers will be filling out and returning their applications. We do not know at this point what the numbers are. We know 96% of providers have signed up to the transition scheme, which includes the agreement to limit fee increases. We know 89% of providers have signed up to the sector profile, which is the first step towards signing up to core funding. There is significant buy-in across the sector. We see that as really valuable. Through core funding, I believe we will be able to deliver on the better rates of pay that are being negotiated in the employment regulation order. There will be a guaranteed living wage for childcare providers as the entry rate and higher rates that recognise qualifications and the role of deputy managers and room leaders will apply.

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