Childminders working from home should not pay commercial rates, says Foley

Children’s Minister Norma Foley says childminders operating from their own homes should not face commercial rates charges

Childminders are a hugely important part of the childcare sector. Pic. iStock

Childminders who use their own homes as their place of work should not be assessed for commercial rates, Children’s Minister Norma Foley has said.

Ms Foley said she was aware of the issue, noting that some childminders have received letters while others have not.

The letters, from Tailte Éireann, seek to value properties to establish whether commercial rates apply.

Ms Foley said she had met Housing Minister James Browne on the matter, adding that there needed to be “absolute clarity.”

“I recognise that Táilte Éireann are independent, but we want all types of supports to be available to children. I know the value of childminders, I come from a rural constituency, they’re hugely, hugely important,” Ms Foley said.

“If it’s within the childminders home, within the existing confines of their home, then I don’t believe they should be paying any rates.

“If it’s a different type of enterprise, where there has been some additionality on the house, then that’s a different circumstance. But the principle of of the minding of children within the home, I think personally, they shouldn’t be rated.” 

Asked whether Mr Browne had responded positively to her request, Ms Foley said he was aware of the issue.

She added that while she wanted to respect the independence of Táilte Éireann, there was a “divergence” of opinion.

“There’s a very strong difference of opinion in terms of how the laws should be interpreted and how regulations should be interpreted. I’m very clear of who we should be supportive of, those who mind children within the confines of their home.” 

Ms Foley said she was also conscious that local authorities collect rates differently and said there needed to be “uniformity and clarity” on the issue.