Vol. 471 No. 2
54 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health the implications, if any, of the forthcoming regulations of pre-school services; the predicted increase in cost for the service providers; the assistance, if any, which will be given to service providers to make the necessary adjustments required by the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20466/96]
66 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a once-off practical grant to enable pre-school service providers to make the necessary adjustments which will be required by regulations to upgrade their premises. [20516/96]
67 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if he has received a submission from the National Children's Nurseries Association in relation to its concerns regarding up-grading its premises to meet the forthcoming regulations on pre-school services. [20522/96]
Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991 provides for the supervision and inspection by health boards of pre-school services. New regulations, which will give effect to the provisions of Part VII, will come into operation before the end of this year. These regulations will apply to pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, creches and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age.
The purpose of the regulations is to secure the health, safety and welfare of pre-school children and to promote the development of children attending pre-school services. A draft of the proposed regulations will shortly be made available to the public to enable individuals or organisations to furnish any observations they may wish to make in relation to the proposed regulations.
The new regulations will have an impact across the various sectors involved in pre-school provision ranging from the voluntary provision for disadvantaged children through to full day care provision in the commercial sector. A working group was established earlier this year within my Department to prepare draft guidelines on standards for pre-school services. These guidelines will form the basis of the regulations to be made under Part VII of the Act. The group is representative of my Department, the Department of Education, the health boards, the DHSS in Northern Ireland and a number of voluntary organisations which are involved in pre-school provision.
It is not possible to quantify the costs involved for service providers in complying with the new regulations. Health boards provide financial supports to certain pre-school services which cater for children who are regarded as being at-risk or disadvantaged. This function is in keeping with the boards' overall responsibilities in regard to the promotion of the welfare of children and provision of family support services. This policy of supporting certain pre-school services will continue in the future and may include financial assistance to upgrade premises.
I have not received a copy of the National Children's Nurseries Association submission referred to by the Deputy. I have no plans to provide financial assistance to pre-school services which operate on a private or commercial basis in the context of the introduction of the new regulations.
