Time to tackle Early Years staffing crisis

A Galway East TD and former Government Minister has endorsed SIPTU’s call for action to alleviate the staffing crisis in Early Years services – highlighting how ‘chaotic and stressful it has become’.

Ciaran Cannon’s support follows a meeting last week with local union representatives and activists involved in the Big Start campaign.

At the meeting, Deputy Cannon discussed with the delegation the upcoming budget and the SIPTU proposals contained in its prebudget submission ‘A New Deal for Early Years’.

These proposals include the Government investing €75 million in Early Years services to improve pay for educators to help end the high number of qualified staff leaving the sector and increase affordability for parents.

After what he described as ‘a very informative meeting’, the former Minister said he understood and fully supported the need for increased investment in the sector.

“The meeting also provided me with an opportunity to get a better understanding from professionals working within the sector of just how chaotic and stressful it has become, especially over that last two years,” he said.

“The case that they make for significantly increased investment in the sector is a very strong one and is underpinned by years of research. The most impactful investment we can make in our children’s education is in their early years and the Budget, later this year, needs to reflect that.

“There are also major issues with recruitment to the sector and this also needs to be addressed through the creation of a well-defined and well rewarded career path for all childcare professionals.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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