Vol. 469 No. 1
212 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the regulations in place in relation to the running of creches and nurseries which guarantee a minimum income for nursery nurses and stipulate the qualifications required to work in nurseries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16450/96]
213 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health whether there is an obligation on creches to seek recognition from any agency; whether there is an obligation on creche owners to apply minimum standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16451/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.
Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991, provides for the introduction of a system for the inspection and supervision by health boards of pre-school services for children. I intend to bring the relevant provisions of the Act into operation by the end of this year. This will involve the introduction of regulations to secure the health, safety and welfare of children attending pre-school services and to promote their development. A feature of the new legislation will be an obligation on pre-school providers to notify their local health board of their service. The preparation of the regulations is at an advanced stage.
I understand from my colleague the Minister for Enterprise and Employment that there are no minimum rates of pay for those employed in creches and nurseries.
