Róisín Shortall
Question:190 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of crèches registered with each of the health boards for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29987/00]
Written Answers. - Child Care Facilities.
I do not have complete information from the health boards in relation to the data requested by the Deputy. I am asking the chief executive officer of each health board and the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to reply directly to the Deputy with the information sought in respect of their area.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996, which give effect to the provisions of Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1996. provide for notification to, rather than registration, and inspection by health boards of pre-school services and apply to pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, crèches, childminders looking after more than three children and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age.