There is a lack of qualifications among home-based childminders in Ireland, a new report has indicated.

Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald has launched the latest report from the Growing Up in Ireland study - and it has been revealed that 55 per cent of childminders in the country have no recognised qualification or training, the Irish Independent reports.

This is despite the fact that 40 per cent of infants aged nine months are currently in one form of childcare or another, with 31 per cent looked after by home-based childminders.

Ms Fitzgerald explained an increase in quality in this area should be in store, as more individuals wanting to get into childcare are taking further education courses in order to do so. 

It was found that an increasing number of people are now undertaking Further Education and Training Awards Council training - and Ms Fitzgerald stated: "We are going to make it obligatory that you have qualifications if you're going to work in a childcare centre."

Written by Donal Walsh

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