Dr. Anne-Marie Brooks:

We are very pleased to say Childminding Ireland has written to us in recent days agreeing to re-engage with the process for the national action plan for childminding. It has accepted an invitation to participate on the steering group that will oversee implementation of the plan. There were a number of meetings with Childminding Ireland in recent weeks to hear its particular concerns. These are regarding the importance of active continued engagement with childminders in the entire process and the importance of childminders having a seat at the table where decisions are made and where policy is developed in the national action plan. We gave great assurances to the members and chair of Childminding Ireland on our absolute commitment to continued engagement with childminders and a firm commitment to include them in implementation and in the decisions being taken in the course of the first phase of the implementation plan. It has confirmed it has re-engaged in the process.