Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 4

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

128 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of child care facilities inspected in the Dublin area; the reduction in places on average recommended in each of these inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10516/99]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

129 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of child care facilities inspected in each of the health board areas; the reduction in places on average recommended in each of these inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10517/99]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

130 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the timetable which child care facilities have been given where they have to reduce the numbers attending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10518/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey):

The purpose of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996, is to build on the existing good standards in our pre-school services and gradually improve standards throughout the sector to secure the health, safety and welfare of pre-school children and to promote the development of children attending pre-school services.

Under the regulations, pre-school providers are obliged to notify their local health board that they are carrying on or proposing to carry on a pre-school service. On receipt of notification the health board will provide relevant information to the applicant and arrange for an inspection to be carried out by an authorised person.

The number of inspections carried out to date are set out as follows:

	No. of Inspections
EHB (Dublin)	233
EHB (outside Dublin)	98
MHB	124
MWHB	265
NEHB	146
NWHB	83
SEHB	230
SHB	370
WHB	171

The information on the reduction in number of places arising from the inspection process is being prepared by the health boards and I will forward it to the Deputy when it becomes available.

The requirement to reduce places is mainly related to the availability of adequate space per child in the premises and-or the requirement to have a sufficient number of competent adults supervising the pre-school children in the service at all times.

Where deficiencies are identified, the health board and the providers work in a co-operative manner to make specific improvements in a planned way provided that any delay would not adversely affect the welfare of children. The plan may include a reduction in numbers achieved through natural reduction i.e. not replacing children who leave during the year, reducing numbers on a phased basis, reducing numbers at the beginning of the next school year or the provider moving to a larger premises. The timescale for making improvements may vary from a requirement for immediate action if the health and safety of children is at risk or may extend to six months if it is appropriate to use a phased approach.