Over the past six months, Childminding Ireland has stepped up our political engagement to make sure the challenges facing childminders are clearly understood at a national level. Between 1 June and 8 December 2025, there were at least 30 mentions of childminding issues in the Dáil and a minimum of four in the Seanad. These were raised by more than 20 TDs and at least six Senators. These discussions were prompted by our work and by childminders raising their issues locally, making sure that childminding is now firmly on the political agenda.
TDs and Senators have spoken about the risk of losing a large majority of childminders under the proposed new system, the need for regulations that genuinely reflect the realities of home-based care, and the lack of appropriate financial supports.
They also raised:
- the loss of AIM supports for children with additional needs
- concerns about commercial rates
- access to Garda vetting
- restrictions on using vetted support persons
- and the need to protect childminders’ privacy
Many representatives also called for an independent review of the proposed new system. Across all parties, there was clear recognition of the wider impact that the decline of childminding would have on families, communities and childcare availability nationally.
Alongside this increased political attention, we have met directly with TDs from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, Labour and Independent representatives and are hoping to meet with others in the new year. These meetings have been very constructive, with strong concern expressed about the future of childminding. Several of the TDs we met have already raised Parliamentary Questions based on the issues discussed, and others have committed to doing so. Many additional representatives have responded to our briefing materials, signalling their support or seeking further information. You can view all references to childminding in Dáil and Seanad debates here: Search the Houses of the Oireachtas website – Houses of the Oireachtas
We have also been informed that our request to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee will take place early in 2026. Preparations are underway for a cross-party information session in January to ensure TDs and Senators are fully briefed ahead of that meeting. This level of engagement marks one of the most active periods of political dialogue on childminding in recent years, and it reflects growing recognition that urgent action is needed to protect the sector and prevent the loss of thousands of childcare places.
We will continue building on this momentum in the months ahead. Our focus remains on securing a fair, workable system that supports childminders, values home-based care, and protects the essential contribution you make to children, families and communities every day.
As we move into 2026, we are asking for your support in strengthening this collective lobbying effort. Please take time to make parents aware of the advocacy work underway on behalf of childminding and the potential impact these decisions will have on families and children. Where parents are willing, we encourage you to invite them to raise their concerns directly with their local TDs and Senators.
We would also greatly appreciate if you could share this update with other childminders you know who may not be on our circulation list, with the aim of encouraging them to engage and to contact their own local representatives. The more voices that are heard, the harder it will be for decision-makers to ignore the reality on the ground. Together, we can ensure childminding remains visible, valued and protected.
Thank you for your ongoing support.