Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too welcome the new agency. Like Deputy Ó Caoláin I had intended to speak on the matter on Second Stage. Unfortunately, I had to leave the meeting to attend another one. When I returned to my office I discovered that it had finished, which was disappointing.

I wish to raise some ongoing problems with the Minister. No parent sends his or her child to a preschool or childminder without knowing the provider. When people avail of such care they are genuinely interested in their children's welfare and want to make sure that the children are well minded. I have a growing concern about the large number of unregulated childminders who have set up a small group and mind three or four children in their homes. Why are they not properly regulated? They should be.

Parents have told me that they put their child into a small preschool or playschool in a house because cost is a factor. Such establishments are a lot cheaper than paying for a normal playschool. Parents must pay between €110 and €120 per week if their child attends a larger playschool five mornings per week up to 12 noon. If they send their child to a childminder who provides care in their home it will cost substantially less, perhaps €50 or less per week. I am not talking about the quality of service because people who have a small group of children in their homes are quite capable. They are well able to wipe snotty noses, look after children and cuddle them when they have an accident, but such childminders are not properly regulated. The Department should identify them and ensure they are properly regulated.