A 10% increase to minimum rates of pay has been proposed for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners.
It would see the minimum hourly rate rise from €13.65 to €15.
The proposals have been put forward by the Joint Labour Committee, which is made up of employer and worker representatives.
It has the responsibility for setting minimum rates of pay for over 35,000 staff in the early years and childcare sector.
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has welcomed the pay proposals.
“I am committed to ensuring the successful implementation of these proposals by providing a ring-fenced allocation of €45m from core funding,” Ms Foley said.
“It has been specifically earmarked to support services in meeting the cost of the proposed increases in pay and conditions.
“If these proposals are implemented through updated employment regulation orders, they will bring much-needed improvements in pay for these dedicated professionals, enhancing the quality of care and education provided to children across Ireland,” she added.
SIPTU said it will conduct a ballot of its members in the coming weeks.
“This is a really big step in the journey for recognition, respect and decent pay for early years professionals,” said SIPTU Head of Strategic Organising, Darragh O’Connor.
“Staffing remains a huge issue within the sector so we need to see year-on-year investment by the Government so that people can afford to stay in the profession,” Mr O’Connor said.
Childcare Service Ireland, the Ibec group that represents childcare providers, said it is pleased to have reached an agreement that enables the ring-fenced funding for wages to reach early years educators.
“There are several pressing issues facing providers, and we look forward to working with the Minister to address these challenges,” a spokesperson said.
“Any further increases in wages must be fully supported by Government funding, as the ongoing fee freeze and the incoming fee caps significantly limit providers’ ability to absorb additional costs,” they added.
