SIPTU – The Early Years Union has welcomed the €45 million in Budget 2025 to raise Early Years Educators and managers pay.
The Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman confirmed the news at the Early Learning and Care Stakeholders Forum held today (2nd October) that the full year’s €45 million, is ringfenced for pay.
SIPTU Sector Organiser Diane Jackson said: “SIPTU members nationwide highlighted how low pay causes a staffing crisis in Early Years. Educators are struggling financially. This crisis harms services for children and parents. For months, SIPTU activists have shared this with Ministers, TDs, and Senators. Today, we see the results of their efforts.”
A qualified Early Years Educator must be paid at least €13.65 per hour. This is €1.10 below the Living Wage of €14.75.
Avril Green, an Early Years Educator and Chair of SIPTU – The Early Years Union, said: “This marks progress in our fight for better pay and recognition. Low wages push passionate educators away. We’re moving in the right direction. Quality Early Childhood Education and Care benefits children’s development. However, it can’t be sustained with low pay.”
SIPTU Head of Strategic Organising, Darragh O’Connor said: “Thanks to our activists and members, the government now sees low pay as a big issue in Early Years. Minister Roderic O’Gorman has boosted pay investment. This is to be commended. Now, we urge Early Years employers to negotiate a new pay deal without delay.”