Childcare Services
Dail Éireann — 2025-11-12
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Norma Foley (FF), Kerry

To be fair, there would have been no point in doing a review in the first year. It is important that we have the benefit of the experience of those who registered and went through the process. It is a three-year process. It is appropriate that at a midway point, before September 2027 and during 2026, the review will take place. There is no point in doing it without having the experience on the ground to inform it. As I said earlier - it just so happens that these two questions are coming one after another - childminding development officers employed by the city and county childcare committees are on the ground to support anyone who is having any difficulties or challenges. I ask them to engage directly. We are in agreement that regulation is important. It provides support and security from safeguarding, Garda vetting and proof of insurance points of view and so many other different elements. I absolutely accept the fantastic service being provided by childminders. I do not underestimate that, but we must move towards regulation. We will support those who will move towards regulation.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-11-12/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-21T01:01:05+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-11-12