Low wages mean staff are leaving the childcare sector

Childcare professionals can earn more in their local supermarket than in their local creche.

Early Childhood Ireland says chronic under-investment in the sector has caused major staffing challenges. The average wage in childcare services is just over €11.90 an hour, with half of early-years staff only getting part-time work.. Director of Policy and Advocacy Frances Byrne says staff retention is one of the biggest problems they face.