Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our distinguished guests.

I thank the Minister for his response. The core funding scheme, Together for Better, which, as the Minister stated, started last month, is a significant move in the right direction. I believe it is the first important step in revolutionising the childcare sector and how we treat and value childcare providers.

I am really pleased to hear that update that over 4,000 childcare providers have already signed up, a quarter of which are in Dublin. As a result, these providers will see an increase in funding to early learning and childcare services to support improvements when it comes to staff wages along with that commitment to parents when it comes to freezing of fees.

Almost three quarters of those working in the sector will see their wages rise, with the wages of half of all employees in the sector expected to rise by 10% or more and the wages of 20% of employees expected to raise by 20% or more. That is so important and it is fantastic to see.

However, I would like to raise a concern that has come my way. Some staff feel that with the new wage deal, long service is not being recognised and there is no payscale that is incremental. I wonder if this is something that the Minister could look at.

I welcome the Minister's comments in relation to Dublin childcare providers in the area and having engaged so successfully with them. I might just take this opportunity to remind the Minister of an outstanding invitation to come out to visit Junior Genius in my constituency, which is doing pioneering work when it comes to children's mental health, something in which we really need to invest.

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