Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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1137. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a strategy is being developed to facilitate childminders restarting their service; if public health advice has been sought on this issue; the public health advice offered in order that childminding can restart; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6230/20]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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My Department is continuing to progress readiness measures in preparation of phased reopening of early learning and care and school-age facilities, including childminders, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. These measures will be cleared by Public Health experts.

I have established an Advisory Group to support this work. Six sectorial representatives were nominated by the Professionalisation Sub Group of the Early Years Forum. These include representatives from Association of Childhood Professionals (ACP), National Childhood Network (NCN), National Forum for Community Childcare Services, Seas Suas, Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) and Plé.

SIPTU is also a member of the group in accordance with the requirement of the Return to Work Safely Protocol issued by Government on 9th May to consult with Trade Unions. Childminders are represented by Childminding Ireland.