SIPTU representatives have warned that up to €45 million in ringfenced state funding, allocated to improve the pay of Early Years Educators in 2026, is at risk following the continued refusal of employers’ groups to enter pay talks with the Union.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Diane Jackson, said: “There is a clear and current recruitment and retention crisis in childcare that is impacting parents, children, staff and services. The crisis is driven by low pay, with the minimum rate of pay for an Early Years Educator languishing 40 cents below the Living Wage of €15.40 per hour.
“This staffing crisis is hitting parents hard, with up to 40,000 children under the age of three on crèche waiting lists nationwide. It’s a national scandal.”
She added: “This is why SIPTU members campaigned for and won €45 million in State funding ring-fenced to improve pay. However, the funding will only be released if a new pay agreement is fully in place. Despite repeated requests, the employers’ organisations, the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and the IBEC-run Childhood Services Ireland, have so far point-blank refused to come to the negotiating table. It’s unacceptable.”
SIPTU Head of Strategic Organising, Darragh O’Connor, said: “If a new deal is not agreed, providers will lose out on €45 million of funding, educators will miss out on a pay increase, and parents will find it even harder to find a place for their child. We are calling on the employers’ groups to get real, to take responsibility and negotiate the new deal that services, staff and parents want and deserve.”
As of 30th March, over 5,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Childhood Services Ireland to begin pay talks.