Childminding Ireland gives guarded welcome to Budget

Childminding Ireland has welcomed Minister Cowen's Budget, which it believes acknowledges the contribution played by Childminders in the childcare sector for the first time.

Minister Cowen announced an exemption from tax, PRSI and levies up to €10,000 for childminders minding up to three children in their own home, who are notified to their local Childcare Committee.

This initiative puts another piece of the National Childcare Strategy (1999) into place (Recommendation number 13).

However, they are disappointed that the minister did not announce an income disregard for Social Welfare recipients.

Minister Cowen has made it clear that this income exemption will not apply to childminders who mind four or more children, which Childminding Ireland have deemed “unfair”. The organisation believes that this may have a negative effect on these childminders, reducing the places on offer.