Liz McManus
Question:234 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if he intends to bring in registration of pre-schools.
Written Answers. - Registration of Pre-Schools.
Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991, provides for the inspection and supervision by health boards of pre-school services for children under the age of six years and for the making of regulations in relation to such services.
As I have previously indicated to the House, the next phase in the implementation of the Child Care Act will involve the commencement of Parts III, IV, V and VI which deal with the taking of children into care, court proceedings and the powers and duties of health boards in relation to children in their care. The commencement of these provisions will greatly strengthen the powers of the health boards and the gardaí to intervene effectively in cases of child abuse. It is my intention that they will be brought into operation as soon as the necessary staff, services and facilities that are required to underpin them have been put in place.
When these provisions have been successfully implemented, I will proceed with the commencement of Part VII and the remaining provisions of the Act.