Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
465. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason there is a delay in publishing the regulations for stronger control in pre-schools and crèches; when the report will be printed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33052/13]
View answerThe Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006, which provide the regulatory framework for pre-school services in the State, were brought into effect in September 2007. New National Quality Standards for full daycare services have been prepared. Standards for the other childcare models, i.e. part-time, sessional, drop-in services, and childminders, will be available later this year. These standards will replace all current guidelines and will be implemented and inspected in line with the new registration system and improved inspection systems. To further strengthen the regulatory system, my Department is undertaking a review of the penalties currently in place for breach of the Child Care (Pre-School) Regulations, as provided for under the Child Care Act 1991. The review will look at increasing the range and severity of the existing penalties including the actions which can be taken by Inspectors without recourse to court prosecution, as is currently the case. In addition, my Department is working with the Pre-School Inspectorate to develop new protocols on regulatory compliance so that there is greater clarity and consistency of approach as to how inspection reports deal with findings of serious non-compliance vis a vis minor breaches and full compliance. The protocols will also inform the future suspension or termination of funding in the case of serious non-compliance.
