A chara, – Perhaps RTÉ's Prime Time might produce another excellent programme – on childminders and au pairs – before every parent with their kids in a creche withdraws them thinking the alternatives are problem-free.
In the case of childminders and au pairs, in many cases there is no proper legal employment agreement between employer and employee, insufficient insurance and no proper training.
This means if problems arise a complete mess can ensue.
In addition, many parents are obliged to pay PRSI for employing childminders and never do: meaning the childminder has no social welfare rights if he or she is made redundant. That is an abuse of the worker which should be unacceptable in any civilised society. – Is mise,
ALEX STAVELEY,
Beverton Wood,
Donabate,
Co Dublin.