Ivor Callely
Question:19 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the number and locations of registered child care facilities; if such facilities are inspected by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12323/97]
Written Answers. - Child Care Facilities.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to pre-school services, such as créches and nurseries, which are subject to the provisions of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996, which I introduced on 31 December 1996.
Under Article 9 (1) of the regulations a person carrying on a pre-school service shall, no later than six months from the date of such commencement give notice in writing, with the required fee, to the relevant health board. A person proposing to carry on a pre-school service is required to give notice in writing to their local health board at least 28 days prior to the commencement of the service. Until such time as the notification process has been completed it will not be possible to detail the number and location of child care facilities.
Pre-schools are subject to inspection by the health boards to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Child Care Act and the regulations.