SIPTU The Early Years Union has welcomed a commitment in the Programme for Government, published today (Wednesday, 15th January), for the rollout of public childcare provision.
SIPTU Head of Organising, Darragh O’Connor, said “The struggle many parents have finding a childcare place is down to a lack of capacity and the staffing crisis. The rollout of public childcare facilities would mean that services would be actively planned and developed where the need is the greatest.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Diane Jackson, said: “Childcare services struggle to attract and retain staff due to low pay. The knock-on effect of this is reduced services for parents and children. The solution is pay and conditions that reflect the skills, qualifications and experience of Early Years Educators. We welcome the commitment by the incoming Government to support further pay deals to attract and retain Early Years Educators.
She added, “We will be seeking an early meeting with the Minister, who will have responsibility for children and childcare, to discuss how the staffing crisis can be addressed and quality services supported.”