Written Answers. - Pre-School Services.
Liam Fitzgerald
Ceist:
49
Mr. L. Fitzgerald
asked the
Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to conditions at creches in Dublin and elsewhere as reported by the Sunday Tribune recently; if so, when; the action, if any, which has been recommended by him to be implemented by the health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[11490/97]
Standards in pre-school facilities generally are governed by the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations which I introduced on 31 December 1996.
These regulations are the first of their kind in the State and they give effect to section 50 of the Child Care Act, 1991 which obliges the Minister for Health to make regulations for the purpose of securing the health, safety and welfare and promoting the development of pre-school children. The regulations apply to pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, some childminders, créches and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age. They will have an impact across the various sectors involved in pre-school provision ranging from the voluntary provision for disadvantaged children through to full day care provision in the commercial sector.
Under the regulations, there is a requirement on a person carrying on a pre-school service to give notice to their health board to this effect. Pre-school providers have been given until 30 June 1997 to give this notice to their local health board. Pre-schools are subject to inspection by the health boards to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Child Care Act and the Regulations. Where a pre-school provider and/or her premises does not meet these requirements, details of the deficiencies will be outlined in writing and she will be given a specific period of time within which to make specific improvements (provided such a delay would not adversely affect the welfare of children). A further inspection will be made after that date.
I am confident that the implementation of these regulations will help to ensure a high standard of pre-school provision throughout the country.
As regards the specific allegations made recently in theSunday Tribune, I understand that the Eastern Health Board has contacted the Sunday Tribune to ascertain the pre-school facilities referred to with a view to those facilities being investigated forthwith. I am disappointed that the Sunday Tribune has not been prepared to give any identifying information to the health board and that as a result the board is unable to identify the services concerned and take whatever action may be required.
Finally, I would like to point out that while pre-school facilities will be inspected by health boards under the regulations, there is also an onus on parents to take steps to satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of the pre-school arrangements they make for their child. Any person unhappy with the standards prevailing in a particular pre-school facility should contact the relevant health board which will then take appropriate action.
