1038. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of Employment Regulation Orders signed between 2020 to date in 2026, to help attract and retain early years educators, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61725/26]

Since 2020, 6 Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) have been signed in the Early Years Services sector to support improved pay structures and conditions of employment for early years educators and childcare workers, thereby assisting in the attraction and retention of staff in the sector.

The two Orders made in 2022 established statutory minimum rates of remuneration for early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners and specified senior grades. These rates were subsequently increased through two amendment Orders in 2024 and two further amendment Orders in 2025.

Under section 42C of the Industrial Relations Act 1946, my role in the ERO process is clearly defined. As soon as practicable after receiving a copy of the proposals for an ERO from the Labour Court, where I am satisfied that the process obligations and considerations under Sections 42A and 42B of the Industrial Relations Act, 1946 have been complied with, and where I consider it appropriate to do so, I make an ERO giving effect to the proposals. Where I refuse to make an Order, I must notify the Labour Court in writing of the decision and the reasons for it.

Early Years ERO 2022-2025