Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
1099. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will clarify, following the publication of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, guidelines on Covid-19 for registered and non-registered childminders who care for children in the children's own homes and in which phase this activity can recommence. [5590/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1100. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will clarify, following the publication of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, guidelines on to Covid-19 for registered and non-registered childminders who care for children in their own homes and in which phase this activity can recommence. [5591/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1101. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will clarify, following the publication of the Roadmap for Reopening of Society and Business, guidelines on to Covid-19 for registered and non-registered childminders who care for the children of healthcare workers and in which phase of the plan this activity can recommence. [5592/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1102. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will clarify, following the publication of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, guidelines on to Covid-19 for registered and non-registered childminders whocare for the children of essential workers and in which phase of the plan this activity can recommence. [5593/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1099 to 1102, inclusive, together.
As 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.
My Department is continuing to progress readiness measures in preparation of a phased reopening of early learning and care and school-age facilities, including registered and non-registered childminders, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
Phase 3 of the Roadmap, 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. Guidance, cleared by Public Health experts, will be issued by my Department over the coming weeks.
