Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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476. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding childminders who now seek Garda vetting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67078/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Services) Regulations 2024, those wishing to operate a childminding service are required to register with the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate.

It must be noted that, Childminding Regulations only came into effect in September 2024 with a statutory transition period of three years ending in September 2027. As such, registration is not mandatory until the end of this transition period.

As part of the registration process, all childminders are required to submit a copy of the vetting disclosure received from the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána in accordance with the www.irishstatutebook.ie/2012/en/act/pub/0047/print.html

Under the 2012 Act, Tusla Early Years Inspectorate are considered the relevant organisation in respect of processing the vetting for childminders as part of the registration process.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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477. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childminders in the country; how that figure is calculated, the number of children for which they care; the number registered with Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67079/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Services) Regulations 2024, those wishing to operate a childminding service are required to register with the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate.

All data collected by the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate, including information relating to registrations, is collated and verified on a rolling basis. It must be noted that Childminding Regulations only came into effect in September 2024 with a statutory transition period of three years ending in September 2027. As such, registration is not mandatory until the end of this transition period.

The most recent data available from Tusla is from the end of October 2025. At this point, there were 150 childminders registered with the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate. Each childminder may mind up to 6 children at once, subject to certain restrictions.

Census 2022 indicated that 52,800 children aged 0-15 were cared for by non-relative childminders at the time of the Census. Survey data - including a survey carried out by City and County Childcare Committees on behalf of the Department - indicates that childminders care for an average of 4 children each. Based on this survey data, it is estimated that there may be approximately 13,000 non-relative childminders across the country.