Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a key question to be considered. As the Deputy stated, it is a question of the type of regulation. Nobody in the country is exempt from reporting under the Children First guidelines. Childminders, given the work they do, have a serious obligation to report concerns in regard to child protection. If a parent has concerns about the childminder, the Children First guidelines clearly apply, irrespective of whether they are on a statutory basis. The Deputy's point begs the question as to whether every childminder in the country should be subject to vetting. This is part of what needs to be examined. The Deputy is proposing that every childminder should be subject to vetting. As I stated, I have asked the early-years group to examine this to determine whether it is the best way forward.

I absolutely agree that the central point concerns the protection of children. To date, families and parents have been making the decision privately as to who should mind their child. The question of the State's role in the vetting of the childminder is one that has not been on the table to date. It has not been examined over the past 12 years. However, I have asked the early-years group to examine the matter and report to me on what it believes appropriate regulation to be. Some argue that light-touch regulation is required because families are making decisions on who should mind their child and they believe the State should not be interfering unduly. This is certainly an area that requires examination. Of course, child protection issues are central and must be so.

It is a case of what type of regulation, if any, should apply. The question of vetting is one for the group to examine. It will revert to me with some recommendations and I will be happy to discuss the issue on the floor of the House when it does so.

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