Early Years Employment Order a step in right direction, but more needs to be done – Currie

The signing of the Employment Regulation Order for Early Years Services – resulting in an increase in statutory minimum rates of pay – is a step in the right direction to recognising the value of the sector, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael’s spokesperson on Childcare, Dublin West Deputy Emer Currie said, “the Fine Gael manifesto committed to fair, progressive wages for educators and managers.

“Today is a positive step forward, with an average pay increase of 10%, however more progress is needed to establish a pay scale and truly reflects the skill, dedication and value of the early childhood education and care sector.”

The order will benefit 35,000 staff, who will be supported by €45m in core funding from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

Deputy Currie said, “staffing is the biggest issue facing the sector now with high turnover rates across the country. When we support our early years workers, we support quality in the sector, continuity of care for children, and the viability of services.

“Without our educators and managers, there are no childcare places.”

Deputy Emer Currie concluded, “I look forward to Budget 2026 and the forthcoming consultation and Action Plan on the future of early childhood education and care. Our educators, managers and practitioners, as well as the issues of pay and career advancement must be heart of that consultation and plan.”