Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
139. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on the number of childminders, registered under the relevant childminding regulations, providing services from the childminders’ home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraChildminders are a hugely important part of early learning and care and school-age childcare provision, and they continue to be the option of choice for many families.
All paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes can now register with Tusla and access the National Childcare Scheme.
As of end December 2025, 634 childminders had completed the short pre-registration training course and 158 childminders were registered with Tusla.
The childminding-specific Regulations came into effect in September 2024, with a statutory transition period of three years ending in September 2027. Registration is therefore not mandatory until the end of this transition period.
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.
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 delivery of the short pre-registration training course. Financial supports are also available; the 2026 Childminding Development Grant opened for applications on the 11 February.
The Department has committed to undertake a review of the initial implementation of the Childminding-specific Regulations during the transition period. The review will commence in 2026 and will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders.
