Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. It is estimated that approximately 50,000 young children are being cared for by paid non-relative childminders. Of the estimated 19,000 childminders, less than 1% are registered with the HSE or Tusla. We need to be moving towards a system of registration, inspection and support so that childminders are supported in their work. Currently, the voluntary notification system asks that childminders who mind three children or fewer are not required to notify the HSE and be inspected but may notify their local city or country child care committee or childminder adviser of their service. This is a voluntary notification process as set out in the 2008 national guidelines for childminders. Voluntary notification states that childminders benefit by gaining access to a range of services and supports through their local city or county child care committee and childminder advisers, including information networking and training, as outlined by the Minister.

Does the Minister believe that voluntary registration by childminders is a realistic and reasonable requirement, in light of the cutbacks in support for childminders? Does he agree that this voluntary system creates a two-tier system of regulation?

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