Call for Government Action as Over 60% of Wexford Childcare Services Report Staff Shortages

Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the Government to prioritise investment in Early Years and School Age Care, as more than 60% of services in Wexford report staff vacancies.

The call comes as the Dáil returns and students head back to school, with 62% of childcare providers in Wexford saying they experienced staff shortages in the past year, according to figures from Pobal. Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, warned that without proper investment in Budget 2026, the sector will continue to lose qualified staff. “Talented educators are leaving the profession because of low pay and poor conditions and this is directly impacting services for children in Wexford,” she said. The organisation is urging the Government to set a date for pay parity between Early Years graduates and primary school teachers, who hold the same level of qualification. In Wexford, 47% of educators who left their jobs exited the sector entirely, highlighting what Early Childhood Ireland calls a “clear warning sign” that the current system is unsustainable. Ms Byrne said that improving pay and working conditions is key to delivering quality care: “Early Years educators aren’t babysitters — they’re laying the foundations for children’s lifelong learning.” For more information, visit www.earlychildhoodireland.ie.