Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 July 2016
265. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is she aware of the Labour Court decision that only allows the employment of public health nurses as Tusla - Child and Family Agency inspectors; if all these public health nurses have the appropriate qualifications to carry out these inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19928/16]
View answerTUSLA has responsibility for the inspection of childcare services. Inspection is carried out to monitor compliance with the Child Care (Pre-School) (No 2) Regulations with the aim of ensuring the health, safety and welfare of children enrolled in pre-school services. When the regulations were introduced in 1996, the role of preschool inspector was assigned to public health nurses, whose training and experience gave them a particular expertise in child development. A Labour Court decision allowed for those who hold a public health nursing qualification and are engaged in the task of inspection of early years services to be remunerated at the grade of Assistant Director Public Health Nursing. The Labour Court decision did not address the professional qualifications of the Early Years Inspectors.
The majority of the current cohort of early years inspectors are public health nurses, however, TUSLA has inspectors from other disciplines. It is satisfied that those engaged in the inspection of early years services have both the professional knowledge and experience necessary to carry out their duties. Inspection officers must have five years post qualification experience with children and are qualified to level nine (Masters Level) on the National Qualifications Framework.
I understand that TUSLA intends to recruit additional inspection officers this year and it is observing the appropriate industrial relations consultation protocols with a view to expanding the range of professional backgrounds, which might include Early Years professionals. When agreement is reached TUSLA will invite applications from prospective persons with an appropriate professional qualification.
