Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

568. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on phase 2 of the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50252/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of regulation to childminders. A key objective of the National Action Plan for Childminding is to enable parents who use childminders to benefit from State subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme. As a result of the commencement of the relevant parts of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Childminding Services Regulations, which came into effect on 30 September 2024, childminders are now able to apply to register with Tusla and can therefore also take part in the National Childcare Scheme.

This was a milestone in the implementation of the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, and marked the on-time completion of Phase 1 of the Plan.

The Act provides for a transition period of three years before registration becomes mandatory. During this three-year period, childminders can register with Tusla but are not required to do so. This phased approach 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 childminders to learn about and prepare for registration.

During the transition period, supports are available for childminders at local level through the City and County Childcare Committees. Each City and County Childcare Committee employs a Childminding Development Officer, who provides a range of supports to local childminders.

Supports available include a short pre-registration training course (delivered at local level through the City and County Childcare Committees) as well as the Childminding Development Grant. The annual Grant scheme provides up to €1,000 to assist both registered and unregistered childminders who are providing a childminding service in their own homes. The Grant aims to support childminders to enhance quality and safety in their service.

The National Action Plan commits to a review of the initial implementation of the childminding-specific Regulations. This review will be broad in scope. This Department has committed to undertake this review (which will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders) during the three-year transition period which runs to 2027.