SIPTU members have welcomed the announcement of a €45 million investment to improve the pay of Early Years Educators in 2026, made by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, at the launch of the Early Years Action Plan in Dublin.
The funding commitment follows a sustained campaign by thousands of SIPTU members across the Early Years sector, highlighting the impact of low pay on educators’ livelihoods, the quality of provision for children, and the long-term sustainability of childcare services.
Early Years Educator and SIPTU activist Lynnette Monk said: “While this funding falls short of our pre-Budget demand, the €45 million investment represents another step forward in our campaign for respect, recognition and decent pay. Currently, thousands of qualified Early Years Educators earn just €15 per hour, which is 40 cent below the Living Wage. Low pay has driven a staffing crisis, leaving educators burnt out and services struggling to meet the needs of parents.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Diane Jackson, welcomed the Government’s renewed commitment to affordability measures outlined in the Early Years Action Plan Phase 1 Report.
She said: “We welcome the Minister’s renewed commitment to a maximum childcare fee of €200 per month, as set out in the Early Years Action Plan Phase 1 Report published today. As the report recognises, major reforms are required to ensure high-quality services, decent jobs, affordability for parents and value for money for the State.”
Ms Jackson added: “SIPTU members will be launching a campaign in the new year for fundamental reform of the sector that delivers high-quality provision for children, professional pay for educators and real affordability for parents.”