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

Private agencies try their best, employ staff and have a lot of overheads, but there is a gap in the market that needs to be filled. People who mind children in their homes should be regulated and brought into line with other child care establishments. Its not about charging more. I just want them to be properly regulated.

Many grandparents are minding children because one or both parents must go out to work. Grandparents across the State are being put under great pressure to mind their grandchildren. I have seen grandparents in their late 60s and early 70s pushing buggies. They do so because they want to alleviate the financial pressure on their children or grandchildren. Those grandparents have reached a time of life when they should be sitting back and enjoying their golden years. There is an onus on us and the State to provide child care services at a reasonable cost that are properly regulated. I hope the Minister has got the message.