91. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is concerned at reports of early years services and childminders receiving bills for commercial rates; if she will act to ensure rates are not applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13520/26]

Sentiment score: 0.13

In recent weeks especially, I have been contacted by a number of ECCE providers, as well as a number of childminders. So too have a number of my colleagues, and I am sure the Minister is well aware of this. They have been receiving commercial rates bills and have been contacted in relation to such moneys owed. I would like to know if the Minister is aware of this situation and what she intends to do about it in her role as Minister.

Sentiment score: 0.34

I appreciate that the Minister has engaged with the Minister, Deputy Browne. Clearly, this is something that needs to be sorted out as quickly as possible because, as the Minister acknowledged, there is stress and worry. A lot of childminders were shocked to hear from Tailte Éireann and then to receive such rates that they never had before. It is important this issue is dealt with quickly. I fully appreciate it is not within the remit of the Minister's Department, but I acknowledge she has reached out to the housing Minister. This is something that needs to be sorted out very quickly. I hosted a number of childminders from various parts of the State yesterday, along with Childminding Ireland. This is an issue they raised and one they want sorted out. There are obviously other issues in terms of childminders deciding their future but, for a lot of them, this is very much the last straw. It needs to be sorted out and I acknowledge the Minister is trying to do that. Does she believe legislation is required in order to exempt the likes of childminders and early childhood care and education, ECCE, facilities?

Sentiment score: 0.12

If that Act needs to be amended to specifically state childminders in particular, that needs to be done as quickly as possible. There still is not clarity. While I appreciate the Minister has been engaging, we need to hear that update on what is actually going to happen. As I said, we are at a critical juncture for childminders in the State. I and colleagues heard yesterday from a number of them, who are deciding after 17 or 18 years as childminders not to continue. Commercial rates were raised by each one of them as the endgame. This needs to be sorted out quickly. It would be beneficial for the Minister and helpful for everyone concerned, particularly when we look at the low number of childminders registering, to meet with Childminding Ireland and hear from it directly on this and other matters.

Sentiment score: 0.09

93. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason she will determine legal representation for guardians ad litem in childcare court proceedings; the rationale for this change under the new service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13521/26]

Sentiment score: 0.05

I want to raise with the Minister once again the changes being made under the new guardian ad litem, GAL, national service, and specifically the issue of legal representation for GALs in court proceedings and the change that will see the Minister determine whether such legal representation is allowed in court. Could she provide to us the rationale for the change?

Sentiment score: 0.16

I thank the Minister. I want to be very clear that the national service is needed. I have no issue whatsoever with it and do not believe the vast majority of GALs have either. However, with regard to what is being proposed under the national service, legal representation has been raised by GALs. I take their point because they have decades of experience in some cases. It is really important that we listen to them. I cannot understand why the provision exists. Is there an understanding that GALs are choosing to have legal representation that is not needed? Of course, it is not needed in every case, but I could not understand why a GAL would look for legal representation unless it was needed. This is all for the child; there is nothing in it for the GAL. It is all about the child and representation for the child in court. What is the rationale for what is being done now?

Sentiment score: 0.11

I welcome the fact that the Minister is to meet the GALs next week. My understanding from engaging with them is that legal representation always existed where they needed it. They could seek it and have it, and there was no issue in that regard. Now, however, they will have to seek it through an application to the service. If GALs were choosing to have or seeking legal representation without merit, it would make no sense because there would be nothing in it for them. My concern is that a GAL who may be new to the role and who may or may not be an expert witness must face at least one at two legal representatives on the other side when in court. I raised this with officials of the national service when we met them. They were good enough to come in and brief the committee. I was told that if there is an issue in court and something happens, legal representation will be reconsidered. That is not to the benefit of the child in any shape or form. That is the concern being raised, and it is being raised in a genuine way.

Sentiment score: 0.04