Vol. 469 No. 2
54 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Health if he intends to introduce guidelines for crèches and playgroups requiring them to keep a register of children's names and addresses in case of an outbreak of meningitis. [16955/96]
Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991, provides for a system for the supervision and inspection of pre-school services. New regulations are required to secure the health, safety and welfare and promote the development of children attending pre-school services. Draft regulations are at present at an advanced stage of preparation within my Department and will come into operation before the end of this year. The regulations will apply to pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, creches and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age.
It is proposed that the forthcoming regulations will place a statutory obligation on pre-school providers to maintain a register which will include the names and addresses of all children attending their services.
