That Roscommon County Council call on Minister Roderic O’Gorman to postpone the introduction of the Draft Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Childminding Regulations 2024 until such time as a comprehensive consultation with childminders has taken place and amendments to the regulations have been made to the draft Regulations to address the concerns of services operators of the unintended consequences of the draft regulations if introduced. Whilst the safeguarding of children is of paramount importance, the proposed Regulations will have an adverse impact on childminding services in the country, by putting financially burdensome and administratively onerous requirements on childminders, particularly those who operate on a small scale. The proposed regulations will not safeguard children and will not allow them to be cared for in a nurturing environment in a home-setting. The proposed Regulation will have the effect of driving small scale childminders out of the industry, at a times when there are considerable pressured on securing childcare services for children whose parents who wish to return to employment.

“That Roscommon County Council call on Minister Roderic O’Gorman to postpone the introduction of the Draft Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Childminding Regulations 2024 until such time as a comprehensive consultation with childminders has taken place and amendments to the regulations have been made to the draft Regulations to address the concerns of services operators of the unintended consequences of the draft regulations if introduced. Whilst the safeguarding of children is of paramount importance, the proposed Regulations will have an adverse impact on childminding services in the country, by putting financially burdensome and administratively onerous requirements on childminders, particularly those who operate on a small scale. The proposed regulations will not safeguard children and will not allow them to be cared for in a nurturing environment in a home-setting. The proposed Regulation will have the effect of driving small scale childminders out of the industry, at a times when there are considerable pressured on securing childcare services for children whose parents who wish to return to employment.”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

“This motion requires a resolution of the Council”

Cllr.Keogh said he had received correspondence from local childminder and member of Childminders Ireland Marie Gillooly in respect of the notice of motion raised.

He said there were approximately 35,000 childminders in the county, of which 600 are affiliated to Childminders Ireland who would be adversely affected by the Minister’s proposal and many would not be aware of the impact of proposed regulation. The Minister is attempting to bring in new regulations which would bring pressure on childminders, many of whom may have to cease operation. With parents attempting to go back to work and shortages in the labour market, the Minister’s proposals would have unintended consequences. He urged members to review the correspondence issued to members on behalf of Ms. Gillooly and acknowledged Cllr. Shanagher who raised the issue.

Members supported the motion and agreed of the importance of regulating the sector but warned the Minister’s legislation threatened to be burdensome for childcare providers and would particularly impact upon families in rural areas. It was felt the over-regulation of the sector would lead to increased costs being passed onto parents. Members said it was important the concerns of the sector were being listened to.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council call on Minister Roderic O’Gorman to postpone the introduction of the Draft Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Childminding Regulations 2024 until such time as a comprehensive consultation with childminders has taken place and amendments to the regulations have been made to the draft Regulations to address the concerns of services operators of the unintended consequences of the draft regulations if introduced. Whilst the safeguarding of children is of paramount importance, the proposed Regulations will have an adverse impact on childminding services in the country, by putting financially burdensome and administratively onerous requirements on childminders, particularly those who operate on a small scale. The proposed regulations will not safeguard children and will not allow them to be cared for in a nurturing environment in a home-setting. The proposed Regulation will have the effect of driving small scale childminders out of the industry, at a times when there are considerable pressured on securing childcare services for children whose parents who wish to return to employment.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was  AGREED to circulate the notice of motion to the county’s Oireachtas representatives.