Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I have outlined and as the Deputy has said, this is a new scheme. The new scheme will be allowed to run but it is subject to review. That review will take place by 2027 in advance of 2028. Therefore, it will run and then there will be a review. We will then see what scope there is to change it, to add to it or whatever the case might be. However, in the existing national action plan for childminding there is an absolute distinction between provision of care for children in a childminder's home and the provision of care for children in the home of the child or parent. That is the position as it stands currently, notwithstanding that there will be a review and at that point there will be an opportunity to see if there is an opportunity to do things differently, to add to the scheme or whatever. There is a reference in the programme for Government to do as the Deputy has outlined. There is no timescale for that, but there is a reference and that can be manifested within the review process.

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