Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
530. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of his engagement throughout 2020 and to date in 2021 with au pair organisations in relation to the childcare duties many participants provide to parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8322/21]
View answerThere has been a limited number of engagements between au pair organisations and my Department during the period from 2020 to date. Engagement took place specifically in relation to Covid-19 guidance. Officials in my Department provided information, advice and best practice guidance on Covid-19 to those offering childcare in a child’s/family’s own home. In addition, officials in my Department worked with Childminding Ireland to develop Childminding Guidelines for operating during Covid-19, which includes guidance for childcare in a child's/family's own home.
It should be noted that the provision of childcare in the child's/family's home does not fall within the scope of early learning and care (ELC) or school-age childcare (SAC) regulations under the Child Care Act 1991. Responsibility for au pairs lies with parents/guardians as their employer.
