Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
669. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update the number of childminders that have registered for the NCS; the supports available to them to register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43288/24]
View answerThe main route through which parents are subsidised for their early learning and childcare costs is the National Childcare Scheme. The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides a statutory basis for the National Childcare Scheme, specifies that only Tusla-registered providers are eligible to participate in the Scheme. The limitation of public funding schemes to Tusla-registered childcare providers helps to ensure that public funding is provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision.
On 30 September I commenced relevant sections of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024, including removal of the exemption from registration for childminders, and at the same time the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Regulations) 2024 came into effect. Tusla opened the registration portal for childminders on the same day.
The pathway to registration under the new regulations requires childminders to undertake pre-registration training, as well as meeting certain regulatory requirements including Garda vetting, first aid certification and child safeguarding training. The childminder can then make a registration application to Tusla. Tusla assess the application and arrange for a pre-registration assessment (home visit). If the application and pre-registration assessment are successful, Tusla can register the childminder and the childminder can enter into contract for the National Childcare Scheme.
I have secured the funding, over successive budgets, to ensure that there is a Childminding Development Officer (CMDO) in each City/County Childcare Committee. The CMDOs are responsible for delivering the pre-registration training and providing supports to childminders at local level.
Prior to the introduction of the childminding regulations, a small number of childminders were registered under the early years service and school age childcare regulations. Of the 74 previously registered childminders, 57 currently have a contract to offer the National Childcare Scheme.
Among childminders not previously registered, to date 59 childminders have completed the pre-registration training, preparatory to applying to Tusla for registration.
