The Government has approved the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2024, paving the way for significant reforms in early learning and childcare. This Bill introduces childminding-specific regulations, enabling parents who use childminders to access National Childcare Scheme subsidies. Additionally, it equips the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate with enhanced enforcement tools to address serious non-compliance in early learning and childcare services.
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, secured the approval, highlighting the legislative basis for registering and regulating childminders. The Bill removes exemptions for childminders, allowing parents to access subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme. It also introduces enhanced enforcement tools, formal information sharing with parents, and a “fit person” regulation to assess the suitability of applicants as registered providers.
Minister O’Gorman expressed confidence in the proposals, aiming to strike a balance between regulation and quality for childminders operating from home. These changes align with the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, focusing on care provision in childminders’ homes.
Key Timeline and Developments
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) first presented policy proposals in July 2021, receiving approval for drafting a General Scheme for the Bill. Government approval for amendments to the Child Care Act 1991 was granted in January 2023, leading to priority drafting and pre-legislative scrutiny in May 2023.
In April 2024, the Bill was separated into two parts, prioritising early learning and childcare reforms. Government also agreed to amendments allowing the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to act as a sponsor referral body for vulnerable children.
Review of Part VIIA of the Child Care Act 1991
The proposals result from a review informed by public consultation, ongoing discussions with Tusla EYI, and sectoral research. The aim is to streamline enforcement and address current legislation limitations, improving compliance in the sector.
National Action Plan for Childminding
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 commits to extending regulation and State support to childminders. Childminding-specific regulations, developed in consultation with Tusla and sectoral representatives, underwent public consultation in May 2024. These regulations will be introduced alongside the removal of childminder exemptions from the Child Care Act 1991, enabling childminders to participate in the National Childcare Scheme.
Access to State Supports
For parents and childminders to access State supports like the National Childcare Scheme, the Bill must pass both Houses of the Oireachtas and be enacted by the President. Once commenced, childminding-specific regulations will allow childminders to register with Tusla and subsequently for the National Childcare Scheme, benefiting parents with available subsidies.