Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 1

Written Answers. - Child Care Workers.

Noel Ahern

Question:

264 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will amend the regulations for child care workers, as laid down by his Department, to allow applications from these with a National Diploma in Childcare or its equivalent, including the Diploma in Pre-school Childcare from Maynooth College and qualifications from the Irish Pre-school Play Group; if he will clarify the position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19648/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Child care workers in the health service are employed at the following grades: trainee houseparent, assistant houseparent and houseparent.

The current basic qualification for trainee and assistant house parents is the leaving certificate. However, assistant house parents must acquire a recognised qualification in child care social care in order to progress to the top of the salary scale. Those seeking employment as house parents are required to possess a recognised qualification. The recognised qualifications are national diploma in child care, national diploma in applied social studies in social care (NCEA), diploma in child care/social care, diploma in applied social studies-social care (Dublin Institute of Technology) and any equivalent qualification.

The former diploma in child care and creative play from Maynooth College and courses run by the Irish Pre-school Play Group are not deemed equivalent qualifications. There is no diploma in pre-school child care awarded by Maynooth College.

I have no plans at present to amend the qualifications. However, in line with Labour Court recommendation 15515 of 30 April 1997 an expert review group has been set up to examine and report on changes that have taken place in a number of professions including child care workers. The terms of reference cover the area of training and education.