Call for Government action as Wexford Early Years waiting lists reach 1,260

Early Childhood Ireland is calling on Government to take greater responsibility for Early Years staffing and pay, as waiting lists for childcare places in Wexford reach as high as 1,260 children under the age of three.

The organisation says staffing shortages are continuing to put significant pressure on the sector, with pay and recruitment expected to be key issues in the run-up to Budget 2027.

Frances Byrne, Director of Policy with Early Childhood Ireland, says the Government could help ease pressure on childcare providers by taking on a greater share of wage costs.

She says this could also allow fees to fall for families, while improving pay for Early Years and school-age childcare workers.Ms Byrne says wages for workers in the sector should be brought closer to the levels paid to teachers.She also believes the Government setting a clear date for improving pay could have a significant impact on the sector.

She says the announcement alone would change the conversations taking place in creches across Wexford.The organisation is calling for pay and recruitment to be made a priority in Budget 2027, as providers continue to struggle to meet demand for childcare places.