Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)

The Minister will be aware SIPTU is raising concerns about the fact the talks have been ongoing for a number of months and it feels there is a gap between the providers and those representing the early years educators and managers in the childcare settings. It is really important. It is good we have had the opportunity here this evening to make that call and to ask for the joint labour committee to complete its work in order that the €45 million would be utilised because we need it at a time when early years educators are leaving the sector and we desperately need them.

I have given this example on many occasions because I have little faith in the committee in terms of its establishment and relying on it for pay on an issue of such importance. We know the last pay increase was 65 cent. It took 15 months to negotiate 65 cent, so I have concerns about the mechanism.

On the core funding which the Minister has referenced, there is a review promised in the programme for Government. Has the Minister any idea when that will come to pass?

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