Kilkenny TD wary of Government promises of new pay deal for childcare workers
A Kilkenny TD has given a cautious welcome to the Government’s announcement of a new pay deal for people working in the childcare sector.
In a statement, Deputy Kathleen Funchion said she is hopeful that new discussions on the pay and conditions in the sector will result in a positive outcome.
Last week Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman confirmed his department has invited “interested parties” to talks aimed at addressing the pay and conditions of employee in the early learning sector.
Deputy Funchion, who is Sinn Féin children spokesperson, said people working in the childcare arena have been ignored for long enough.
The Kilkenny TD said: “I sincerely hope this announcement by the minister is not a rouse by Government to give lip service to this overstretched and under-resourced sector.
“Successive governments have all but ignored those working in childcare and I hope that this is the first step to recognising with investment, the contribution they make to our young children.
“I am hopeful that a meaningful dialogue will be entered into with key stakeholders and I am pleased to see that this process is in partnership with SIPTU, who have long advocated for those working in the sector.
“I will keenly watch the work of this committee, because those working in the sector cannot be let down again,” Deputy Funchion added.
