Limerick Childminders Face Closure as New Regulations Loom

A childminder from Limerick has raised significant concerns that new regulations could force up to 80% of childminders out of business unless urgent changes are made. Charmaine Parnaby, a Tusla-registered childminder from near Kilmallock, warns that the current legislative framework fails to support caregivers who operate from home.

Childminding Ireland has echoed these concerns, stating that the Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley, has not engaged sufficiently with the sector. The organization cautions that without active dialogue, Foley risks being the minister who oversaw the decline of childminding in Ireland.

Charmaine has been in the childminding profession for over 20 years, both in Ireland and the UK. She operates Little Rainbows Childminding, caring for six children under the age of three in a nurturing home environment. With only 18 Tusla-registered childminders in Limerick, she underscores the critical role these caregivers play in the community.

“The regulations are unworkable,” Charmaine explained. “I can’t even have a helper to cover for short periods, which means I have to choose between ignoring medical appointments or closing for the day.” Unlike crèches, which can employ qualified staff, childminders are restricted to working alone, with only an emergency contact allowed under strict conditions.

Charmaine highlighted a significant gap in support, noting that while Tusla manages Garda vetting for the childcare sector, it does not provide vetting for emergency contacts. This limitation exacerbates the challenges childminders face, especially as new regulations are set to increase the already substantial paperwork and oversight.

Additionally, the government subsidy currently available to parents using registered childminders will not be extended to newly registering childminders, resulting in an 80% increase in childcare costs for these services. “My daughter, who is qualified and Garda vetted, cannot help me with the children for even five minutes,” Charmaine lamented.

She has recently decided to close every Friday to manage personal appointments, a decision that reflects the strains childminders face in balancing work and health needs. Despite these challenges, demand for childminders remains high, with Charmaine reporting a full schedule and a waiting list extending to 2028.

“Parents are absolutely desperate for childcare,” she remarked. “I receive calls every week, but I have to turn them away.” She fears that many childminders will choose to exit the industry rather than comply with the new regulations, which they view as impractical and disconnected from the realities of their work.

“I’ve written to Norma Foley, inviting her to see firsthand what we do,” Charmaine added. “There must be a comprehensive review of the sector, and childminders need to be heard. Otherwise, the loss of quality, safe childcare will leave families in a precarious situation.”

According to Childminding Ireland, a majority of childminders in the country have indicated their intention to cease operations within the next year as the new governmental systems take effect. Chief Executive Bernadette Orbinski Burke stated, “The current one-size-fits-all approach is driving childminders out, creating anxiety across the sector and reducing childcare capacity.”

As the landscape of childcare in Ireland faces a potential upheaval, the voices of childminders like Charmaine Parnaby highlight the urgent need for a legislative rethink that prioritizes the sustainability of this vital service.