Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
621. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of childminders that have notified their business to his Department but are legally exempt from regulation; and the reason a childminder might be exempt from registering with Tusla. [36539/20]
View answerMany childminders are legally exempt from regulation currently as a result of exemptions set out in Section 58L of the Child Care Act 1991, which prevents them from registering with Tusla. A childminder is exempt from regulation and registration with Tusla if the childminder:
- Is a relative of the child/children or a spouse of a relative;
- Takes care of one or more children of the same family and no other such children (other than the childminder's own children); or
- Takes care of not more than 6 children, of whom not more than 3 are pre-school children, of different families (other than the childminder's own children).
Prior to February 2019, only (non-relative) childminders who cared for more than three pre-school children of different families were subject to regulation and therefore required to register with Tusla. From February 2019, when Section 22 of the Childcare Support Act 2018 came into force, the scope of regulation has been broadened also to include a (non-relative) childminder who cares for more than six children of any age at one time, in addition to those who care for more than three pre-school children.
A number of City/County Childcare Committees operate a voluntary notification system for childminders who are legally exempt from registration. Other City/County Childcare Committees maintain lists of childminders to whom they offer supports and information. There are currently 308 childminders who are voluntarily notified to their local City/County Childcare Committee, and a further 750 childminders are currently engaging with the City/County Childcare Committees for support and information.
My Department also provides funding to Childminding Ireland for the provision of ongoing training, supports and information to childminders. Childminding Ireland has approximately 700 members and provides supports and information to an additional 1,300 childminders.
