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

We all recognise the hugely important work done by early learning and care staff and school-age childcare staff. We also recognise that the pay they receive does not meet the hugely important work that they undertake. It was my objective as Minister in the past four years to do more so that their pay would meet their requirements and recognise the hugely important role they play in supporting children's development, learning and care.

I wish to express my continued commitment to improving pay and conditions for early years educators. To date, outputs from the early years service JLC has seen two increases to the minimum rates of pay for workers in the sector. The first one impacted 70% of the sector and the second one impacted 50%.

As the Deputy said, in budget 2025 I secured an extra €15 million for next year across the full fourth year of core funding that will have a value of €45 million. That is absolutely contingent on a new employment regulation order. If we do not secure a new employment regulation order, ERO, and improved rates of pay for the various grades we have set, this money will not flow. It is really important that the Government is providing that carrot by looking to support increased levels of pay but the stick is the money will not flow if we do not secure this particular agreement.

As the Deputy knows, the JLC is an independent process. I must respect that. I might want to be more involved but I have to respect its independence. What I have done is put this money on the table and made it very clear that we will support the employers and providers and meet the cost of a raised rate of pay through this money I have provided for in budget 2025. I have always urged the parties to get around the table and have this agreement ready to go in September of next year.

See this speech in context