Over the last twelve months, actions taken by Minister O’Gorman have included:

• Announcement of a new ‘core funding stream’ for services. This funding, worth over €207 million in a full year, will enable providers to attract and retain qualified staff.
• Launch of Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028, setting out plans for a graduate-led workforce and strengthened career pathways.
• A process that led to establishment of a Joint Labour Committee for Early Years Services, providing a mechanism to help address issues of pay and conditions in the sector.

“During Covid-19, we all gained a much better appreciation of the work done by the professionals who work in early learning and care and school-age childcare. Through some of the darkest days of the pandemic, they kept their doors open, and made sure that our children had a safe and supportive environment in which to learn and develop.

“As early years educators and school-age childcare professionals mark their day of hope and recognition, I want to re-iterate that I am committed to making sure their pay and conditions reflect the importance of the work they do.

“Our ambition is for Ireland to have world-class early learning and care and school-age childcare, which helps children thrive, is affordable for parents, and values those who work in it. We are embarking on wide-ranging reform of the sector, and by working in partnership with providers and professionals, we can achieve that ambition.”

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ab77e-minister-ogorman-marks-day-of-hope-and-recognition-for-early-learning-and-care-and-school-age-childcare/

“I welcome this open consultation and hope that as many people as possible respond and give us their views. We want to hear from parents, from those working with and for children and young people and of course from children and young people themselves. I would particularly encourage children and young people to get involved and have your say through the survey or the mailbox. Tell us what is good and what is not so good in your lives, and what you think would make things better.

“This policy framework will set out the vision and priorities for the next five years, it will have a real impact on the systems and services that support children, young people and families. The knowledge and experience of parents and those working with or for children and young people will help us to develop a framework that delivers positive outcomes for children and young people, and will guide targeted consultations over the next six months.

“Use the survey or send us your views through the mailbox – send in pictures or drawings if you prefer. The most important thing is to get involved and give us your views.

“I am looking forward to seeing this policy framework develop over the next year. With the assistance of other key Government Departments and statutory agencies, our partners in the Community and Voluntary sector, and, most importantly, parents, children and young people, we will make the improvements and changes needed to ensure that Ireland is a great place in which to grow up and raise a family.”

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f9fff-minister-ogorman-announces-consultation-on-next-national-policy-framework-for-children-young-people/