Denis Naughten
Question:168. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to review the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17124/14]
View answerThursday, 10 April 2014
Questions (168, 169)
Denis Naughten
Question:169. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied with the current first aid requirements in place regarding staff as provided for in the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17125/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
Pre-school services are governed by Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991 and by the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations 2006.
The Explanatory Guide to the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations 2006 will be replaced by new National Quality Standards which are being introduced later this year. The new Standards is one of a number of key reforms I am introducing as part of the Pre-School Quality Agenda with the objective of improving the quality of child care services. I have identified a number of other areas that can significantly enhance the quality of the service provided including the implementation of the Síolta and Aistear frameworks. Legislative amendments to Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991 have been passed by the Oireachtas and will underpin the reforms.
When the new National Quality Standards are firmly embedded, my Department will be reviewing all aspects of the Regulations including the requirements relating to first aid support in the pre-school setting.