The children's minister is examining a plan to expand the number of childminders who receive core State funding in a bid to encourage formal registrations. Following the commencement of regulations in 2024, childminders can now register with Tusla and take part in the national childcare scheme and, from next September, all childminders must be registered with Tusla. "All paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes can now register with Tusla and access the national childcare scheme. As of end December 2025, 634 childminders had completed the short pre-registration training course and 158 childminders were registered with Tusla. With this in mind, it is understood that minister Norma Foley is examining the expansion of the funding available for childminders under the national childcare scheme.

Source: Irish Examiner February 08, 2026 19:00 UTC