Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
680. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the action that has been undertaken in furtherance of the stated commitment in the Programme for Government to enhance parental choice though support for childminders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15786/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to publishing "a detailed Action Plan to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system with State-led facilities adding capacity. This plan will enhance parental choice through ongoing support for public, private and community provision, as well as childminders'.
It further states that 'Childminding plays a significant role in the provision of early years and school aged care and should remain a viable choice for parents'. It goes on to commit to:
• 'Extend the National Childcare Scheme to childminders working in the family home, with sensible regulations that fit home-based care',
• 'Support childminders through the Tusla registration process and expand access to local training opportunities', and
• 'Continue to provide grants that help childminders improve safety and quality through essential toys, equipment, and technology'.
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, launched in 2021, set out a pathway for the extension of registration to childminders. A key objective of the National Action Plan for Childminding is to enable parents who use childminders to benefit from State subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme. As a result of the commencement of the relevant parts of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Childminding Services Regulations, which came into effect on 30 September 2024, childminders are now able to apply to register with Tusla and can therefore also take part in the National Childcare Scheme.
The childminding-specific Regulations are designed to be proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work. The regulations differ substantially from regulations for centre-based childcare.
The 2024 Act provides for a transition period of three years before registration becomes mandatory. This phased approach aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for childminders to learn about and prepare for registration.
During the transition period, supports are available for childminders at local level through the City and County Childcare Committees. Each City and County Childcare Committee employs a Childminding Development Officer, who provides a range of supports to local childminders, including a short pre-registration training course. The 2025 round of the Childminding Development Grant is currently open for applications (until 4th April), through the City and County Childcare Committees.
The National Action Plan for Childminding commits to a review of the initial implementation of the childminding-specific Regulations before 2028. My Department will undertake this review, which will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders, during the transition period.
