Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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139. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his proposals to ensure that childcare providers have the resources to pay adequate wages to staff in childcare centres in order for childcare to become an attractive career; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48303/21]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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148. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he plans to take to improve the pay and conditions of childcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47518/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 148 together.

I am conscious of the need for significant improvement in pay and conditions of employment for early learning and childcare professionals. The level of pay they receive does not reflect the value of the work they do for children, families and the wider society and economy.

The State, however, is not the employer and therefore cannot determine wages in the sector. Nevertheless, I am committed to doing what is in my power. That is why last December, I began a process to examine the possibility of regulating pay and conditions in the sector and the suitability of a Joint Labour Committee (or "JLC"). In agreement with IBEC/Childhood Services Ireland, and SIPTU, I appointed Dr Kevin Duffy, former Chair of the Labour Court, to be the independent chair of this process.

On foot of Dr Duffy’s report, on 11 March, I wrote to the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, recommending the establishment of a JLC for the sector.

In line with the provisions of the Industrial Relations Acts, the Labour Court recommended establishment of a JLC, and the Minister of State has now accepted the Labour Court’s recommendations.

I am pleased to confirm that the Establishment Order came into effect on 1 July last. The JLC will provide an opportunity for unions and employer representatives to work together to determine pay and conditions for early learning and childcare professionals.

Work is also progressing on a new funding mode for the sector, with recommendations from the Expert Group due to be made in November. I anticipate that the report will offer potential new avenues through which the State can support providers to improve pay and to meet the requirements of any future Employment Regulation Order that may arise from the JLC.

Work on a new Workforce Development Plan is also well advanced, with the final report due for completion by the end of the year.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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140. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he recognises the supports offered by parent and toddler groups; the way he plans to support such groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48701/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I fully recognise that local Parent and Toddler Groups are providing support to parents, grandparents and childminders, as well as to young children throughout the country. These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new parents and families new to a community.

My Department funds a national network of County Childcare Committees (CCCs) who work directly both with existing Parent and Toddler groups and in supporting the set-up of new groups.

In 2021 my Department made €250,000 available to support Parent and Toddler Groups, this funding seeks to support the establishment and operation of such groups through financial assistance in areas such as training for parents, purchase of equipment and/or contributions towards insurance, rent or minor refurbishment.

The CCC’s are responsible for the promotion, assessment and administration of the Parent and Toddler grants at a local level and provide information which promotes the provision of a quality service, they can also signpost participants to other useful agencies or organisations.

Applications for the 2021 Parent and Toddler grant closed on 10 September however any individual or group interested in setting up a Parent & Toddler group in 2022 can contact their local CCC for advice and support.

Contact details for all CCCs are available at myccc.ie