Childminder registration and affordable childcare
Deputy Mattie McGrath warned the new childcare Bill could be inoperable because many counties have no childminders registered with Tusla. The Taoiseach said the Bill had to be enacted in this session and would be published and dealt with before the House rises in July.
The affordable child care scheme Bill is on the new legislative programme. The aim of the Bill is to ensure that all childminders would be registered with Tusla. Five counties in the country have no childminders registered with Tusla which means the proposed legislation will be inoperable. The proposal would put undue hardship on people who have cared very well for children, their own and others, in their own home or the children's home. I support crèches and child care groups as well but in this case I refer to people who are caring for their neighbour's children, or other children, in their own home and doing so properly and above board. Now they will be compelled to register with Tusla but I do not know if Tusla has the staff required to regulate the area. If the legislation is introduced the matter will become a significant one.
Comment on this
This matter must be dealt with by September so the Bill will have to be enacted during the course of this session. No doubt Deputy Mattie McGrath will have plenty of opportunity to speak on the issue and to voice his concerns.
Comment on this
Not judging by the Taoiseach's previous comment.