Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1410. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding pay deals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38065/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The State does not employ staff in Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) services, and as a result neither I nor my Department can set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff in the sector.

However, there is now, through the independent Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process, a formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate minimum pay rates for different roles in ELC and SAC services. In line with the provisions of the Industrial Relations Acts, the JLC is independent in its functions, and I not have a role in its statutory processes.

I wish to express my continued commitment to improving pay and conditions for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners through the provision of public funding to ELC and SAC service providers via the Core Funding scheme. I met with the members of the JLC in May to outline the commitment of the Government to the development and funding of the ELC and SAC sector, most notably the commitment of over €1 billion to the sector in Budget 2023.

The JLC is continuing to meet in relation to possible changes to the Employment Regulation Orders and I hope for positive outcomes to the negotiations to continue to improve wages and working conditions in the sector.