National Childminding Association Of Ireland

The NCAI imposes a degree of voluntary self-regulation on its members who look after children in their own homes. This includes a medical check and completion of a first aid course. It says demand is rocketing, while potential childminders are being attracted into higher paid work in other sectors.

The association sets a £2.50 an hour guideline wage, says Ms Patricia Murray, chief executive. "The pay in all childcare sectors is very poor. It is only a viable business because women do it," she says.

Parents pay about £80 per week per child for daycare and a childminder can take three children under six years without notifying the local health board. "We have written to Bertie Ahern and Charlie McCreevy requesting a tax amnesty up to the year 2000 for childminders to encourage them to be fearless about notifying their health boards," Ms Murray says.