Vol. 496 No. 7
88 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the adequacy of inspections of pre-schools, nurseries and other child care services carried out by health boards in fulfilment of their obligations under Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991; the number of inspections that have taken place in the last year for which figures are available; the general findings of these inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23926/98]
Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991, provides for the supervision and inspection by health boards of pre-school services. In 1998, a further £8 million revenue has been made available to strengthen child care services. This includes £500,000 for the continued implementation by the health boards of Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991, and the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996, which give effect to the provisions of Part VII, in regard to pre-school services.
The regulations apply to pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, cre ches, childminders looking after more than three children and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age.
The purpose of the regulations is to build on the existing good standards in our pre-school services and gradually improve standards throughout the sector to secure the health, safety and welfare of pre-school children and to promote the development of children attending pre-school services.
Under the regulations, pre-school providers are obliged to notify their local health board that they are carrying on or proposing to carry on a pre-school service. On receipt of notification the health board will provide relevant information to the applicant and arrange for an inspection to be carried out by an authorised person. All pre-school services should be inspected by mid 1999. Inspections will take place annually thereafter. The latest information provided to my Department by the health boards indicates that 2,624 notifications have been received nationally. Approximately one-third of these facilities have been inspected.
A range of issues have emerged during inspections in relation to, for example, premises, numbers catered for, sanitary facilities and record keeping. The regulations are being introduced in a co-operative manner with pre-school providers. Where deficiencies are identified, providers are given a specific period of time in which to make specific improvements provided that the delay would not adversely affect the welfare of children.
