Government to increase minimum wage for childcare workers

Ottoline Spearman

The Government has announced it is increasing the minimum hourly pay rates for childcare workers.

A new employment order will take effect on October 13th, with an average increase of about 10 per cent. This will increase the minimum wage from €13.65 to €15 an hour.

Around two thirds of staff in the sector will see their wages increase.

Speaking on Newstalk, Junior Enterprise Minister Alan Dillon said that this is the result of work from multiple Government departments:

"This will impact around 35,000 staff, about 67 per cent, roughly over 23,000 people will see a direct wage increase.

"I know Minister Norma Foley has always been a strong advocate for this sector and working with her, working with the different providers and practitioners, this will give them a much needed boost for educators and practitioners."

Fine Gael's spokeswoman Emer Currie said: “I look forward to Budget 2026 and the forthcoming consultation and Action Plan on the future of early childhood education and care.

"Our educators, managers and practitioners, as well as the issues of pay and career advancement must be heart of that consultation and plan.”