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

Report and Final Stages of the Children First Bill will be taken in the House this week. The Bill addresses the issue of childminders, and this was debated on Second Stage and Committee Stage. I ask the Minister to clarify whether sanctions will be imposed on professionals who fail to comply with the Bill. Are monitoring mechanisms in place for reports to be received and how will these be dealt with? Will there be demands for audits of child safety statements? Childminders are still exempt from having to report, as only those providing an early years service under the meaning of the Child Care Act 1991 are included. Will the Minister comment on these points and indicate the anticipated commencement of the Children First Bill?

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