Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the Chamber today to take this Commencement matter. Before I speak about childcare and childminders, it is important to acknowledge the incredible work the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, has done in his Department to reduce childcare costs for parents right across the country. In budget 2023, there was a reduction of 25% and in budget 2024 there was a reduction of 25%. I was applying to participate in the national childcare scheme two days ago and noted there has been an increase in the subsidy from €1.40 per hour to €2.14 per hour for 45 hours, which represents significant savings for families right across the country. Only a couple of years ago, the cost of childcare was almost like a second mortgage for people. The changes the Government has made have been very impactful. Most parents across the country can see the benefit of the service that childcare providers provide. I see it myself. My child graduated from his childcare on Friday. The staff and childcare are incredible. They are teachers, in my view, and the work they do is incredible.

Childcare services and childcare providers are not suitable for everyone, however, so childcare minders play a critical role in the State in supporting people, for whatever reason. Some people have different hours of work than others. For people such as gardaí and nurses and those who do shift work, a childcare facility is not suitable, but a childminder is very suitable.

The reason I raise this is the new legislation being introduced concerning the number of children childminders may look after. It is causing great concern within the sector. At a time of full employment and when the number of childcare providers right across the country is low, the introduction of important legislation is critical, but the restrictions being placed on childminders are causing a genuine problem. I know of a childminder in Tipperary who looks after several kids. She has four children herself at home but those four children will be categorised as four children she is minding, which means that if she has to abide by the new legislation, she will have to turn away those using her service at present. Such childminders provide a wonderful service. Parents are thrilled with the service provided by childminders, who educate their children while they are away at work. We have full employment and actually need more workers, but to meet this need we have to ensure we have enough services, whether they are provided by childcare providers or childminders. I ask that the Minister reflect on this, have further discussions with groups and organisations that represent childminders and consider a realistic package.

A genuine worry of mine is that a number of childminders in Tipperary just do not see a future in service under the new legislation. It would be desirable to reach some sort of middle ground where childminders are not viewed in the same light as childcare providers. There are differences because a childcare provider, unlike a childminder, has a facility in place that is not someone's home, and it is very difficult for a childminder to meet all the new requirements being put in place. I welcome the three-year grace period, which is very important, but I think we need to engage a little more to determine what can realistically be done by the childminders. As a State, we cannot afford not to have as many childminders and childcare providers operating.