Dublin, 4 October 2025 — The Irish Government has announced a new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners, delivering a 10% average increase in minimum hourly pay for approximately 35,000 workers in the sector. The new rates will take effect from 13 October 2025, replacing the 2024 ERO.
New Minimum Hourly Pay Rates
The revised pay structure includes:
- Practitioners: €15.00 (up from €13.65)
- Room Leaders / SAC Coordinators: €16.00 (up from €14.70)
- Graduate Room Leaders / SAC Coordinators: €17.50 (up from €16.28)
- Deputy/Assistant Managers: €18.00 (up from €16.49)
- Centre Managers: €19.00 (up from €17.33)
- Graduate Centre Managers: €20.25 (up from €18.11)
An estimated 67% of the workforce (around 23,000 staff) will see direct pay increases under the new order.
Government Funding and Support
To support the wage increases, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has allocated an additional €45 million in ring-fenced Core Funding, bringing total sector funding to over €390 million for the 2025/26 programme year. A new grant mechanism — the Staff Funding Additional Contribution — will be introduced to help Partner Services meet the increased payroll costs.
Ministerial Statements
Minister of State Alan Dillon praised the move as a recognition of the sector’s vital role:
“This new ERO is a clear commitment to the continued investment in the professionals caring for our children.”
Minister Norma Foley welcomed the adoption, saying it would improve pay, support career pathways, and aid recruitment and retention:
“Early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners are a hugely significant resource in the delivery of excellence in the early learning and care sector.”
Sector Impact and Outlook
This marks the third round of EROs since 2022, each aimed at improving pay and conditions in a sector long plagued by high turnover and low wages. The government says the move aligns with its Programme for Government commitment to build a sustainable, high-quality childcare system.
Sources: Department of Children, Disability and Equality; Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
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