Vol. 407 No. 9
194 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no obligation on nurseries to comply to minimum standards as no system of registration exists; if it is his intention to instigate such a registration scheme through his Department or the health board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Child Care Bill, 1988, which is currently before the Seanad and which is expected to be enacted by the summer, provides for the introduction of arrangements for the supervision and inspection of pre-schools, play groups, créches, nurseries and other similar services for pre-school children.
Persons carrying on a pre-school service or proposing to do so will be required to notify the health board operating in their area of the service being provided.
The Bill will enable me, following consultation with my colleagues the Minister for Education and the Minister for the Environment, to make regulations to secure the safety and promote the development of children attending pre-school facilities.
