Claire Kerrane
Question:144. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the regulations for childminders will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13217/26]
View answerThursday, 19 February 2026
Questions (144)
Written answers
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of regulation to childminders. 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. We are now in a 3-year transition period during which childminders are being encouraged and supported to register, but registration is not yet mandatory.
The Department has committed to undertake a review of the initial implementation of the Childminding-specific Regulations during the transition period. The review will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders. The review will provide an important opportunity to learn lessons from initial experiences with the regulations.
As I have said previously, the review will commence as early as possible in 2026. The timing of the review is crucial. In addition to hearing from childminders who have not yet registered, it is important that the review adequately captures, and benefits from, the experiences of those who have registered and been through the registration process and who have operated within the new Regulations.
The scope and timing of the review of the initial implementation of the Regulations was discussed at the most recent meeting of the Steering Group on the National Action Plan for Childminding, on the 2 December. Plans for the review will be considered further by the Steering Group at the next scheduled meeting.