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

The very small number of parents who are using childminders registered with Tusla are able to avail of it already. The Deputy stated that the first phase is set out until 2024. I have asked my officials to see if we can condense that phase as much as possible. I am conscious that many parents using childminders will see the support that parents using centre-based care are getting and will justifiably ask why they are not being supported too. I have asked the officials to work to get those regulations in place more quickly. I cannot give guarantees, however, in respect of the sign-up of childminders because they have to opt to undertake this regulation process. We are making it a simpler process. We are going to make it as attractive to them as possible but, ultimately, they have to make the determination. The childminder representative groups say there is an element of fear in the context of being regulated. We are seeking to do this in a processed way but not rush it because if we rush it, there may be a risk of losing people from even engaging.

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