This is good. It would be great to complete the legislation this year in order that it could come into force next year. Those of us familiar with this sector have often wondered how to encourage more people to register. I have always thought there is sometimes a fear that, all of a sudden, somebody who has been childminding for years but was not registered believes there will be some sort of backlash.
These proposals, therefore, are good. It is timely that people would get the subsidy. It is great for parents not to be reliant on centre-based childcare. We also know about, and often talk here about, the capacity of centre-based childcare at the moment. If childminders can avail of this scheme too, it will be beneficial.
The other point I wanted to make, which the Minister kind of covered, was about the consultation. I know that Childminding Ireland is the significant group in that regard, but the regulations should be drafted in consultation with it. Any input from parents or advocacy groups would also be helpful.