asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there is a need for a State system of registration of pre-school playgroups.
Written Answers. - Pre-school Playgroups Registration.
225.
My proposals in relation to the supervision and inspection of pre-school services for children are contained in Part VI of the Child Care Bill, 1988 which was recently referred to a special committee of the Houses for consideration.
As regards funding for such facilities, I would point out that for a number of years health boards have been providing financial assistance to day nurseries, pre-school playgroups and other similar services. In 1987, the latest year for which figures are available, health boards supported almost 300 centres catering for over 7,000 children at a cost of £1.122 million.