Pay increase for early years and school-age childcare staff welcomed by Offaly TD

THE recent announcement of a proposed 10% pay increase for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners has been welcomed by Tullamore based Fianna Fail TD Tony McCormack.

He described it as a move that marks a significant milestone in valuing and supporting the vital work carried out in this sector.

The proposal, which could benefit over 35,000 childcare professionals across Ireland, is backed by €45 million in secured Core Funding. According to Deputy McCormack, this development is particularly important for local families and providers in Offaly and throughout the Midlands region.

“Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners are the backbone of our communities,” he said. “They provide safe, nurturing environments that support the development of our youngest citizens, and they do so with incredible professionalism and dedication. This proposed pay increase is a long-overdue recognition of their contribution.”

The funding is designed to ensure that the proposed pay rise is both sustainable and fair, supporting providers while offering better pay to staff. The move is expected to improve staff retention, reduce turnover, and enhance the quality and continuity of care for children.

Deputy McCormack also stressed the importance of timely implementation.

“I look forward to seeing these proposals accepted and enacted without delay. Families in Offaly depend on a stable, high-quality childcare system, and this is a strong step in the right direction.”

This announcement follows ongoing engagement with sector representatives, workers, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. If approved, the pay rise will represent one of the most significant government-backed boosts to the sector in recent years.

Tony McCormack TD concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting the childcare sector and the dedicated staff who make it work every day.

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