Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 which I published in April, sets out a phased, incremental approach to extending supports and regulation to all non-relative childminders. It aims to improve access to high quality and affordable early learning and care and school-age childcare through childminding.

During phase 1 of the plan, which began recently and is expected to last two to three years, childminding-specific regulations will be developed that are proportionate and appropriate to childminders, as will childminder-specific training. In addition, primary legislation will be amended, and there will be further engagement and consultation with childminders.

The steering group for the plan met for the first time in September and again on 1 December. Its role is to drive, oversee and monitor implementation. The steering group will be supported by four advisory groups on stakeholder engagement; training and support; regulation and inspection; and funding and financial supports. The first two

advisory groups have already commenced their work.

In line with commitments in the national action plan, childminders are represented on the steering group and the advisory groups. In addition, Childminding Ireland which

represents childminders, is a member of these groups, and officials in my Department continue to work closely with Childminding Ireland, engaging on a regular basis.

Extensive consultation with parents, childminders and representative bodies took place throughout the development of the plan and continues in the implementation phase that has now begun. Ongoing consultation will be critical to effective implementation and work will begin shortly on developing a stakeholder engagement strategy. In addition, my Department provides funding to representative bodies and support information and engagement with childminders on the plan.

Childminders who are registered with Tusla can avail of the national childcare scheme, NCS, allowing parents to avail of subsidies. The plan aims to support a much wider cohort of childminders to register with Tusla and, therefore, to take part in the national childcare scheme. In this way, the plan will support parental choice in the type of provider of early learning and care and school-age childcare.

I am pleased that work in this important area is making progress. Childminding is a key part of the early years sector which up to quite recently was not getting the attention it deserved. The national action plan has set out clearly where we want to go and does so in a way that emphasises a collaborative and step-by-step approach. I will continue to support these developments in the coming years.

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