Three childcare operators behind a proposed legal challenge to the minimum-wage-setting mechanism in the sector have told other such firms they want to raise €250,000 to fund their judicial review. But Together for Early Years, an alliance of stakeholders in the sector, has expressed “serious concerns” regarding the proposed court action. That money is dependent on the 2026 ERO process, due to start this month, producing a deal. A number of prominent owners in the sector have said they are unclear about how wages would be set if the ERO process were abolished. “We call on all providers, educators and stakeholders to reject the request for support, including funding, of a judicial review.

Source: The Irish Times February 12, 2026 00:42 UTC