Claire Kerrane
Question:884. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the review of childminding regulations will take place. [37086/26]
View answerTuesday, 19 May 2026
Questions (884)
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.
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.
Childminders were consulted on and involved in all aspects of the development of the regulations. Both the Steering Group for the National Action Plan for Childminding, and the Advisory Groups that have supported it, have included childminders, as well as representatives of Childminding Ireland.
The 2024 Act, under which the timeframes are established, provides for a transition period of three years, to September 2027, after which registration is due to become 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.
I am aware that the rate of registration thus far has been lower than expected. It is for that reason that I asked my officials to undertake a review of the regulations in advance of the conclusion of the transition period, to understand what barriers may exist, and to address them in a timely fashion. . 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. 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.
It is my intention that this review will commence in the coming weeks, with the outcome available later this year, with sufficient time to address any issues raised to improve rates of registration, thus benefitting parents, childminders and most importantly, children.
The Steering Group for the National Action Plan for Childminding, which includes individual childminders as well as representatives of childminding organisations, have reviewed plans for the Review of the Initial Implementation of the Childminding Regulations, which is intended to commence in the coming weeks.