Every level of the early years sector, including the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Childhood Services Ireland, must come to the table and attend important pay talks for early years educators, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly said:
“The ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in early years education and childcare continues to cast a dark shadow over the sector and threatens to undermine €45m of state-provided financial support currently on the table for workers.
“The minimum rate of pay for an Early Years Educator (€15 per hour) is substantially below the Living Wage, and for that reason we are seeing staff turnover prevailing as a key issue within the sector.
“Early years educators might not have HGVs to bring to the motorways, but their commitment to a crucial role within our society should not be undervalued.
“With that in mind, we should see all stakeholders come to the table now.
“My worry is for early years educators, but equally for the children and families for whom they work so tirelessly. If conditions do not improve within the sector for workers, we will continue to see a turnover of staff that is unsustainable, and thus places become even harder to find.”
April 21st, 2026