Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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45. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on introducing sick pay for early years education workers; and if he has held meetings with trade unions or member organisations relating to his brief. [31348/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the State is not the employer of staff in early learning and care or school-age childcare services. My Department does not pay their wages nor does it determine working conditions for staff, including sick pay. I am, however, very aware of the negative impact that low pay and poor working conditions in the sector have on staff recruitment and retention and thereby on outcomes for children. I am also conscious that my Department is a significant funder of the sector, alongside parents.

Since coming into office, I have held a series of meetings with stakeholders in the early learning and care and school-age childcare sector, including trade unions and member organisations representing practitioners and providers in the sector. A prominent theme in many of these meetings has been pay and working conditions, including the issue of sick pay.

The Tánaiste has publicly stated his intention to establish a Statutory Sick Pay Scheme in full consultation with employers and unions. This would be in addition to the enhanced illness benefit which was introduced by the Government in response to Covid-19. Through the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) the Tánaiste has commenced a process of engagement with the social partners on the issue of statutory sick pay. I believe it is important that the position of those working in early learning and care and school-age childcare services is considered as part of this process and my officials will engage as appropriate in any process.

In the medium-term, the New Funding Model and Workforce Development Plan will both consider future policy tools that will impact on wider aspects of pay and working conditions in the sector.