My role and responsibility in this area relates to the imple mentation of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996, which give effect to the provisions of Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991, and provide for notification to, and inspection by, health boards of pre-school services. The regulations apply to pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, crèches, childminders looking after more than three children and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age.
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.
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 under the Child Care Act, 1991, in regard to the promotion of the welfare of children and the provision of family support services.
In budget 2001, my colleague, Deputy McCreevy, the Minister for Finance, announced additional measures to increase the supply of child care places. Under these measures my Department is to receive £1.2 million to facilitate health boards in introducing a voluntary notification and support system that will be aimed at childminders looking after three or fewer children who are not covered by the notification and inspection requirements of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996.
In budget 2001, the Minister for Finance also announced measures to help parents with child care responsibilities. These include child benefit rates, which are payable by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, being increased as follows:–
(i)by £25 per month for first and second children, from £42.50 to £67.50;
(ii)by £30 per month for third and subsequent children, from £56 to £86.
These increases are being paid from June 2001, or three months earlier than previously. Similar child benefit increases will be paid in both 2002 and 2003, bringing the rates to £117.50 and £146.00 respectively during 2003.