The Deputy has raised a number of issues regarding my Department’s planning for the reopening of the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) sector on 29 June 2020.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently established an Advisory Group and a Reference Group to facilitate effective consultation with representative groups in the ELC and SAC sector on the phased re-opening of services. Childminding Ireland is a member of the Advisory Group and represents the interests of childminders in the State.
I wish to advise the Deputy that childcare provided by an au pair in a family home is a private commercial arrangement between an employer (e.g. parent/guardian) and an employee (au pair) and any legal questions in this regard do not come under the remit of my Department. Agencies which place au pairs in family homes also do not come under the remit of my Department.
Childminders have been permitted to care for the children of essential workers in the children's home since childcare facilities were closed on 12 March. Such childminders are classified as essential workers.
Phase 3 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which is currently scheduled to begin on 29 June, allows for the provision of childminding services in childminders' own homes where there is strict adherence to HSE guidance.
