Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
877. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the person in her Department that will conduct the Garda vetting of people over sixteen years of age in childminders' homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14488/26]
View answerThe 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.
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 Department is currently progressing the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025. While the main purpose of this Bill is related to child care and the Child Care Act 1991, there is also a proposed amendment to the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. The purpose of this proposed amendment is to provide for the vetting of the emergency contact person of an early years service provider and the vetting of household members aged 16 and over who live in the premises where a childminding service is provided.
It should be noted that the existing 2024 Regulations already provide for the vetting of the emergency contact person of a childminding service and the vetting of household members aged 16 and over who live in the premises where a childminding service is provided. The proposed amendment to the 2012 vetting legislation is a technical amendment following further consultation with the Garda National Vetting Bureau and the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate.
