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Childcare Services Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019

Wednesday, 16 October 2019

Questions (236)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

236. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if issues at a crèche (details supplied) were flagged with her Department; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42438/19]

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Written answers

Tusla is the independent statutory regulator of early learning and care and school age childcare services in Ireland. In performing its regulatory function, its actions include responding to breaches of regulations while respecting fair procedures and natural justice.

Tusla has provided my Department with the following information. The Early Years Inspectorate conducted an inspection of the service in question - which catered for both pre-school and school-age children - in line with the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 on 19 June 2019. During this inspection it was observed that the service, which was approved for a specific number of children, was operating outside its registration status, with a substantial number of additional children observed in attendance. Tusla advised the service to revert immediately to its approved registration status, and to take immediate remedial action to address the risk posed to children on the premises due to inadequate insurance. Tusla also referred the service to the local Chief Fire Officer and to the Planning and Enforcement Section of the local Council.

Tusla carried out a follow-up inspection of the service in September 2019, and found that more than the approved number of children were attending the service. Tusla again instructed the service to revert to its approved registration status.

Tusla also received an application from the registered provider for registration of a school-age service which highlighted that the service has been operating in contravention of its planning permission, which states that the number of children to be accommodated at the facility must not exceed a set number. This has resulted in the regrettable situation described.

Tusla, the independent statutory regulator, carried out some 2,513 inspections in 2018. As per standard procedure, if this case had proceeded to a deregistration notice then Tusla would have informed the Department at that point. In such cases, that information then triggers suspension by the Department of funding, and referral to the local City/County Childcare Committee to work with parents and local services to help accommodate children who may lose their place in the service. This situation did not arise in this case.

Tusla continues to engage with the registered provider to resolve this matter as expeditiously as possible.

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