Michael McDowell
Question:17 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Education the input, if any, her Department has in relation to the monitoring of standards in child care in pre-school nurseries. [6684/96]
Written Answers. - Standards in Pre-School Nurseries.
The general legislative provisions regarding the supervision of pre-school services are contained in the 1991 Child Care Act. These matters are the responsibility of the Minister for Health.
My Department's responsibility in the pre-school area is limited to its involvement in the delivery of the early start pre-school programme.
This service is being developed as an integral part of the primary schools to which the early start pre-schools are attached. As such, it is subject to the normal supervision of my Department's inspectorate.
My Department is represented on a working party established by the Minister for Health to prepare regulations to secure the health, safety and welfare and promote the development of pre-school children attending pre-school services.