Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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412. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the new childminding regulations will be published; the proposed implementation date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24098/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 commits to extending regulation and supports to all paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes. The National Action Plan sets out a phased approach to regulation with a preparatory phase followed by an extended transition period, to allow childminders lead-in time for any requirements. This supportive, phased process aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for this reform.

Phase 1 of the National Action Plan will be completed when the exemption to registration has been removed from the Child Care Act 1991 and the new childminder-specific regulations have been commenced.

The Bill to amend the Child Care Act 1991 is on the priority publication list for the Summer session of the Oireachtas 2024. The Bill is expected to deal with a number of reforms including the removal of the exemption of childminders, allowing for the extension of regulation and supports to all paid, non-relative childminders, with a view to the introduction of the childminding-specific regulations in the autumn. The proposed amendments to the primary legislation, as set out in the Heads of Bill and General Scheme, 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 prepare for and meet the new regulation and registration requirements that will be put in place.