Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
1117. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if childminders can continue to care for children in their own home as opposed to going to the home of the child, as long as they are adhering to social distancing, hygiene and other public health advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5827/20]
View answerAs per HSE guidance and in accordance with the regulations under the Health (Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2000, childminders who care for the children of essential workers in the children's home were permitted to continue working after childcare facilities were closed on 12 March, and are themselves considered essential workers.
The HSE guidance specifies that at present childminding should not take place in the carer’s home, in order to avoid households mixing.
Phase 3 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which is currently scheduled to begin on 29 June, provides for the opening of childminders (along with the opening of creches and preschools) for essential workers, in a phased manner.
