Local early years workers demand respect at gates of dil

Up to 4,000 early years professionals from across Ireland, including 100 from County Meath, marched to the gates of the Dail on Tuesday afternoon demanding increased investment in their sector by Minister for Children, James Reilly.
The newly formed Meath Association of Childhood Professionals, which represents over 200 childcare centres, was present with chairperson Caroline McDonnell, employees and centre owners from across the county marching in unison.
Fianna Fáil group leader on Meath County Council, Cllr Shane Cassells, also took part in the march and called for an “immediate package of investment” for the early years sector.
The national ACP organised the march to the gates of Dáil Éireann to highlight the underinvestment in the early years sector and to call on the minister to respect the work carried out by staff in the delivery of the curriculum to the 0-5 years age category.
Low pay among those employed in the sector is a major issue with the need for pay scales to be introduced a key focus for the ACP.
According to Meath County Childcare co-ordinator Fiona Healy, the time for investment is now.
She said: “Direct investment will benefit all aspects of the early years sector and result in better outcomes for children in Meath.”
“This investment would result in a graduate workforce that is properly paid and a reduction in parental fees, which will benefit the whole sector,” said Ms Healy.