Mary Coughlan
Question:84 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Health when regulations pertaining to playschools and playgroups will be implemented under the Child Care Act, 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Child Care Services.
Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991 provides a scheme for the inspection and supervision by health boards of pre-school services for children under six and for the making of regulations in this regard.
The Government recently agreed to my proposals that the Act be brought into operation in its entirety by the end of 1996. Towards this end, it has made available an additional £5 million this year, amounting to £10 million in a full year, to develop child care and family support services and to put in place the necessary staff and resources. In the implementation of the Act priority is being given to the commencement of Parts III, VI, V and VI which deal with taking children into care, court proceedings and the powers and duties of health boards in relation to children in their care. These provisions will greatly strengthen the ability of health boards and the Garda to intervene in cases of child abuse and to protect children otherwise at-risk.
When these provision have been successfully implemented, I will then proceed with the commencement of Part VII and the remaining provisions of the Act.