Mr. Toby Wolfe:

In total, 3,800 parents, 850 childminders and 290 children, in addition to stakeholder organisations, took part in the consultations that lie behind the plan.

The strong emphasis on engagement and consultation with childminders when developing the plan will continue during implementation. We recognise the importance of involving childminders if we are to ensure that measures undertaken are proportionate and appropriate for childminders, are achievable, and retain childminders’ support and participation throughout this process of reform. To this end, the national action plan includes a commitment to include childminders on the steering group and advisory groups for the plan. Furthermore, one of those advisory groups will focus specifically on consultation and communications, and consultation with childminders will continue during development of the regulations. The steering group for the national action plan is in the process of being established and will hold its first meeting next week.

The approach we are taking recognises the many benefits of quality childminding but also recognises the challenges ahead. A central challenge will be ensuring regulations for childminders are proportionate. Care will be needed in ensuring regulations are appropriate to the home and family context in which childminders work while at the same time providing safeguards to protect children and to provide assurance for parents of the quality of the care their children will receive. It will take time to get this right.

One regulatory issue that was unresolved in the 2018 working group report was the appropriate training requirement for childminders to register with Tusla, the statutory regulator.

The national action plan commits to a balanced and phased approach, with foundation-level training as a prerequirement for registration and delivery of training in formats that are suited to childminders. Once the new regulations are in place and the Child Care Act 1991 is amended to allow childminders to register with Tusla, childminders will be able to take part in the national childcare scheme and other supports.

The approach proposed in the national action plan will bring Ireland in line with approaches to childminding across Europe. Childminding is already successfully regulated in three quarters of European countries. In many, childminders have to undertake specific training, though at a foundation level. In some countries, such as France, Denmark and the Netherlands, childminding makes up a large proportion of regulated provision of early learning and care, especially for children under three years of age. Our steering group will include representation from other jurisdictions that have successfully achieved what we want to achieve. Drawing on international experience, research evidence on outcomes for children and extensive consultation, the national action plan aims to improve quality, affordability and access to early learning and care, and school-age childcare, through childminding. More detailed information on the national action plan is contained in the Department’s written briefing to the committee.