State should pay childcare wages directly to ensure stability and quality, committee hears

Siptu has told an Oireachtas committee that the State should pay childcare workers’ wages directly, arguing this could improve pay, staff retention and service quality while giving parents more affordable care. The union said the approach could help meet the Government’s goal of limiting childcare costs to €200 a month without making providers financially unsustainable. Providers have criticised existing funding arrangements, saying fee caps can undermine their businesses.