Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1448. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the new Tusla regulations that have been introduced for childminders and the supports that will be provided to help childminders comply with these regulations in order that parents can access the NCS for children attending these services. [38613/23]
View answerThe National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 commits to extending regulation and supports to all paid, non-relative childminders who work in their homes over the coming years. The National Action Plan commits to opening the National Childcare Scheme to all childminders at the earliest possible opportunity, though it will be necessary first to introduce childminder-specific regulations, and to give childminders adequate time and support to meet regulatory requirements.
The National Action Plan sets out a phased approach with a preparatory phase followed by an extended transition period, to allow childminders lead-in time for any requirements. This supportive, phased process 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 this reform.
Phase 1 of the Plan, which began in 2021, involves developing regulations specific and appropriate to childminders, which will come into effect in Phase 2. As the new regulations are not yet in effect, the current regulations – and legal exemptions from regulation for most childminders – will remain in place during Phase 1. Phase 1 allows for consultation, research and development actions, to ensure that the regulations that apply to childminders are appropriate to the home environment, to build the quality support infrastructure required (including expansion of inspectorates and provision of training), and to ensure reforms are based on consultation and research evidence.
A number of consultations with childminders will be taking place over the coming months, the results of which will help shape the draft regulations. An Advisory Group on Stakeholder Engagement, Consultation and Communications – which includes childminder representatives – has been formed to support these consultations.
