Childminder tax relief can help expand childcare options for families in Longford, says local TD

PARENTS in Longford-Westmeath could have greater access to local childcare options under changes to tax relief for childminders announced in Budget 2027.

The changes provide for an increase in the relief to €20,000 and remove the restriction limiting it to childminders caring for a maximum of three children. Existing childminding regulatory requirements will continue to apply.

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy said: “For parents in Longford-Westmeath, finding a childcare place can be just as challenging as paying for one. We need to support more childcare options, including childminders who provide care in their own homes.

“This relief means a qualifying childminder can earn up to €20,000 from providing childcare in their own home without paying Income Tax or USC on that income.

“It is a tax exemption for the childminder, rather than a payment to parents. By reducing the tax burden on qualifying childminders, it can help make providing childcare more financially viable and support affordable local services.

“Removing the three-child restriction under the tax relief also means childminders will no longer lose access to it simply because they care for more than three children. They must still comply with the regulatory requirements governing their service. This does not mean unlimited numbers of children can be minded.

“These changes can encourage new childminders to start providing care and help existing childminders sustain or expand their services where regulations allow. That has the potential to create more places and give parents greater choice.

“Alongside the lower fee limits and increased childcare subsidies announced in Budget 2027, this is another practical step towards making childcare work better for families in Longford-Westmeath,” Deputy Carrigy concluded.