Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 3

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

John Bruton

Question:

126 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children his position in relation to parents' concerns regarding the fact that child care centres are being closed as a result of the operation of the new regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19522/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996, which give effect to the provisions of Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991, provide for notification to and inspection by health boards of pre-school services. 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.

Where deficiencies in services are identified during inspection, 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 timescale for making improvements varies from a requirement for immediate action to a phased implementation which may extend to six months, exceptionally, a longer period may be allowed. The Deputy will appreciate that, having regard to my responsibilities, the health, safety and welfare of children must be my primary consideration.

The progress of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform's equal opportunities child care programme is confirmation of the Government's commitment to developing child care supply in Ireland. Since the announcement of the availability of funding in April 2000, in excess of £40 million has been provided to over 470 child care projects on the ground, both in the community and private sector. To date, over 14,000 child care places will be supported by this funding which will ensure both the continuation of existing places and the creation of almost 6,000 new child care places. The funding will also enable many of the services extend their hours of operation and enhance the quality of the child care provided. In addition funding of over £10 million has been approved for quality improvement projects such as local child care networks, innovative projects, local child care training models, the "childminders initiative" and supports for the national voluntary child care organisations. This brings the total amount allocated under the equal opportunities child care programme to over £50 million to date.

The measures in place reaffirm this Government's commitment to keeping child care at the forefront of its social agenda and show that this Government is delivering on its commitment to treat child care as a priority area for investment.