Vol. 524 No. 3
137 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children the method that exists, under the regulations for the provision of crèche and child care facilities, for the owners to receive confirmation that they are fulfilling all the necessary requirements under the regulations; if the regulations allow health boards to issue a certificate of compliance which could, for example, be displayed in a child care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22526/00]
The Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996, which give effect to the provisions of Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991, provide for notification to – rather than registration – and inspection by health boards of pre-school services. The regulations apply to pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, crèches, childminders looking after more than three children and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age. The purpose of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996, 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. Article 32 (1) of the regulations requires health boards to furnish a report in writing to the person carrying on the pre-school service of the outcome of an inspection, following an inspection by an authorised person. I understand from the health boards that where appropriate they confirm to pre-school providers, either by letter or as part of the inspection report) that their facility was found to be in compliance with the regulations. There is no provision in the regulations concerning the issue of a certificate of compliance. In addition, health boards are required under section 56(3) of the Child Care Act, 1991, to make available information on pre-school services in its area to any interested person. I understand from the health boards that they provide a directory of pre-school providers who have notified, to members of the public, either on request and/or using their website.
