Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
998. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has raised the possibility of childminders that mind children in their own homes to recommence minding children in the home of the childminder if they care for children from just one household. [8496/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, decisions on the permitted operation of childcare services must depend on public health guidance. My Department has received clarification from the Department of Health that the current advice on the HSE website remains valid for the present: www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/protecting-your-child.html. This advice specifies that currently childminders may work in the child’s home, but should not work in their own homes.
On Friday 1 May the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives.
The Roadmap proposes that the reopening of crèches, childminders and preschools in a phased manner will begin in Phase 3, which is currently scheduled to begin on 29 June. Last Friday, 29 May, I announced that childminders will also be able to resume looking after children in the childminder’s home from 29 June, while complying with HPSC advice.
