‘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.