Three creche operators have initiated judicial review proceedings which could undermine the system established to set minimum pay levels across the entire sector. It set the minimum rate of pay for entry-grade staff aged 20 or over at €15 per hour, with higher minimum rates set for more qualified staff and managers. If the group is successful, it would mean the increases to the minimum rates would not be binding on operators. Darragh O’Connor of Siptu said, however, the pay deal “underpins €480 million of State funding intended to reduce fees for parents and improve pay for educators. Government funding has helped provide for pay increases in recent years and many operators say they pay significantly above the minimum rates.

Source: The Irish Times February 08, 2026 23:44 UTC