AdvertisementTHE average staff turnover rate in Limerick in the early years and school age care sector is 23.8 per cent. That’s according to Early Childhood Ireland, who cited 168 members working across Limerick city and county. “That means early years and school are care settings are losing a worrying number of staff each year, said Early Childhood Ireland director of policy Frances Byrne. Ahead of Budget 2026, the organisation asked the Government for a date to introduce pay parity for graduates across the sector, to double the graduate premium in core funding, and to invest in three in-service days per year for workers in the sector.