Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
431. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to support the national childminding representative body (details supplied); the amount of funding that will be allocated in 2023; and if equal supports will be provided, similar to other childcare representative bodies, in order to support childminders into the future. [6791/23]
View answerThe organisation referred to in the Deputy's question is a national associative body for childminders and is primarily funded, as one of the National Voluntary Childcare Organisations, by my Department. This organisation provides information, advice, guidance and training to childminders, both members and non-members. It supports research into childminding, and helps childminders to inform policy development that relates to them. Its work continues to be a significant part of the range of supports available to childminders.
The organisation was allocated €340,000 for 2023 to fund the work that it undertakes on behalf of my Department as outlined in its Implementation Plan for 2023. The amounts allocated to funded voluntary organisations vary depending on the work that they undertake on behalf of the Department.
In relation to future funding, my Department has committed to transitioning to the introduction of new funding arrangements for the work undertaken by National Voluntary Childcare Organisations. My Department is currently considering the mechanism for allocating funding going forward.
Childminders are also supported by the City and County Childcare Committees. As a result of additional funding secured in Budget 2023, my Department is now providing for employment by the City/County Childcare Committees of a team of 22 Childminding Development Officers to work at local level providing supports to childminders while also supporting actions under the National Action Plan for Childminding 2022-2028.
