‘Childminders should take course’

ANYONE who avails of the €10,000 tax incentive to mind children in the home should undergo a 10-hour course, advocacy groups said last night.

The Taoiseach revealed yesterday that Minister for Children Brian Lenihan will take responsibility for the scheme, which will be introduced from January.

However, Cork City Childcare Committee coordinator, Kathryn O’Riordan said while the Budget was “a good starting point” she said there was a need for a compulsory quality awareness training programme for any childminder who avails of the €10,000 tax disregard.

“People should receive training over a period on child development, nutrition, on how to deal with parents and also on issues like first aid. I would be wary of overregulating quality as a childminders is also a normal family home and the same type of standards, such as fridge temperature and having three sinks shouldn’t be applied. There should be standards on cleanliness and the like, however,” she said.

The National Creche and Nurseries Association has said it is “stunned” at the proposals, which are due to begin next year, as childminders, who mind less than four children, aren’t inspected by the health boards.

The National Childminding Association said that the tax disregard move should encourage a lot more childminders to move out of the informal economy where they can receive a lot of support and free training from local childcare committees. They will also be able to avail of a €630 tax-free annual grant for buying toys and equipment.

National Childminding Association CEO, Patricia Murray, said: “Childminders are largely favoured by Irish people, whether they are family or somebody living locally. We welcome the €10,000 as it’s a recognition of what minders do.”

Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Mr Cowen said they have not overregulated childminding in the home as they want to avoid an overly bureaucratic system. He said parents generally take responsibility for choosing a good childminder.