Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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426. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of submissions from the respective stakeholders which have been received to date in respect of the draft regulations for the child-minding sector; if he is aware that some providers fear a very legalistic compliance approach from Tusla that might not appreciate the essence of care within a home setting compared to a business setting; and how he intends to proceed in finalising and introducing the new regime. [20251/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 commits to the introduction of regulations that are proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting, to respect the unique way in which childminders work. It also commits to providing supports to childminders to help them meet regulatory requirements.

The draft childminding regulations were developed through an inclusive process that involved childminders and Childminding Ireland as active members of the Steering Group and four Advisory Groups on the National Action Plan for Childminding.

I launched the public consultation on the draft childminding regulations on 8 February. To date there have been 669 online surveys submitted and a further 99 written submissions. In addition, 52 focus groups have been held at local level, for childminders and parents, as well as a consultation event for national stakeholder organisations. An independent company has been contracted to undertake the analysis of the submissions and of other elements of the consultation process, and to present a report of their findings. On receipt of the report on findings, the Steering Group on the National Action Plan for Childminding will consider any changes that need to be made to the draft regulations, and their proposals will then come to me for review and consideration.

I have also been talking to childminders in my own constituency and have held meetings with others and I am aware of their concerns regarding the introduction of regulations.

In addition, Tusla are the statutory regulator and my officials are working closely with them to ensure that the proposed Regulation 25 - "The Agency shall have regard to the home-based nature and family setting of a childminding service when inspecting a service" - is implemented and that Tusla’s compliance and regulatory approach is appropriate and proportionate to the home setting.

The Bill to amend the Child Care Act 1991 to enable the regulation and support of childminders is currently being drafted 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.