Vol. 456 No. 2
39 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health the system of inspection, if any, in place governing private and State créches; if his attention has been drawn to the conditions that prevail; the guidelines, if any, there are in place in this regard; and if these guidelines are being adhered to by owners-supervisors of these créches. [13672/95]
The Child Care Act, 1991, provides for the introduction of a system for the inspection and supervision by health boards of pre-school services for children. It is intended to bring the relevant provisions of the Act into operation during 1996. This will involve the introduction of regulations for the purpose of securing the health, safety and welfare and promoting the development of children attending pre-school services. I might also mention that a number of voluntary bodies active in the pre-school area have developed their own guidelines for good practice and these have made a significant contribution to raising standards in this area.
