Department publishes regulations to oversee and register country's childminders

The new rules will give the 13,000 childminders three years to register with Tusla. File picture: iStock

The country's 13,000 childminders are to be regulated and registered by the State for the first time in a matter of days, under new regulations published by the Department of Children.

From September 30, the childminders will be able to apply for registration with child and family agency Tusla, and thereafter will be able to partake in the National Childcare Scheme for the first time.