Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 commits to opening the National Childcare Scheme to childminders at the earliest possible opportunity. The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides a statutory basis for the National Childcare Scheme, specifies that only Tusla-registered providers are eligible to participate in the National Childcare Scheme. The restriction of public funding to Tusla-registered providers helps ensure that funding is only provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision.

Phase 1 of the National Action Plan, which is nearing completion, requires the amendment of the primary legislation to enable childminders to register with Tusla; the development of new, childminder-specific regulations that are proportionate and appropriate to the home environment in which childminders work; development and roll-out of new, bespoke training for childminders; and re-examining the funding and financial supports available for childminders.

Childminders who are currently minding four or more preschool children, or seven or more children of any age, are already required to register with Tusla and can already access the National Childcare Scheme. While only a small number of childminders are currently registered with Tusla, it is intended that the National Action Plan for Childminding will result in the opening up of the National Childcare Scheme to a much wider cohort of childminders.

Work on the childminding-specific regulations began in 2022. On 8 February I launched the public consultation on the draft regulations. The consultation will close on 2 May and amendments may then be required to the current draft. The amendments to the primary legislation that are currently being drafted include a proposed transition period of three years. In line with the National Action Plan for Childminding, this phased approach is intended to give childminders the time to meet the new regulation and registration requirements that will be put in place.