From: Department of Children, Disability and Equality
Published on: 20 June 2025
Last updated on: 20 June 2025
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, T.D., has welcomed the new proposals for a 10% increase to minimum rates of pay for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners.
The proposals have been put forward by the Joint Labour Committee, which is made up of employer and worker representatives. It has the responsibility for setting minimum rates of pay for over 35,000 staff in the early years and childcare sector.
The Minister expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the Joint Labour Committee and acknowledged their independence in the negotiation process.
“The new proposals for a 10 per cent increase in minimum pay represent a significant step toward ensuring fair pay for educators and practitioners working in the sector. I am committed to ensuring the successful implementation of these proposals by providing a ring-fenced allocation of €45 million from Core Funding. It has been specifically earmarked to support services in meeting the cost of the proposed increases in pay and conditions.”
Recently, the Minister met with the Joint Labour Committee to highlight the availability of this €45 million in Core Funding from the state for increased pay for staff in the early years and childcare sector.
Minister Foley said:
“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Joint Labour Committee in these negotiations and their vital role in advancing the professionalism and value of those working in the sector.
If these proposals are implemented through updated Employment Regulation Orders, they will bring much-needed improvements in pay for these dedicated professionals, enhancing the quality of care and education provided to children across Ireland.
I am hopeful that these proposals will soon come into effect, marking a positive change for our dedicated and skilled staff in the early learning and childcare sector and the services that employ them.”