625. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to introduce a salary scale for workers in the child care industry to ensure  qualifications are reflected in salary achieved for these workers in the interests of quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37748/15]

Almost all early years services in this country are provided by private commercial or community/ not-for-profit providers.

The terms and conditions of employment , including salary scales, in the early years sector are matters to be agreed between employer and employee. My Department makes no recommendations in relation to these matters.