Dr. Anne-Marie Brooks:

I will deal with the first question on children attending the free preschool programme. All services contracted to deliver this programme must comply with various regulations. Under regulation 22, there is a requirement to have a healthy eating policy in place and to support children's awareness of healthy eating. The Síolta quality framework for early childhood care and education sets out quality standards for the delivery of ECCE. This includes standards relating to educating children on healthy eating choices and engaging with parents, in a partnership approach, on healthy eating and healthy choices. In terms of regulations, that is what is done on a universal basis. There is also another programme delivered under the Healthy Ireland programme - the Healthy Ireland Smart Start programme - which is being rolled out nationally to preschool services and which is currently focused on children aged three to five. It has been delivered to 20% of services so far. The programme focuses on promoting healthy eating and engaging in physical activity. It involves the preschool practitioners, children and their families.

On the issue of the capital grant, in 2018 over €1 million was provided in capital funding for outdoor space provision. Every year a decision is taken on how to prioritise the capital allocation. We engage with the county childcare committees and Pobal and try to identify priorities. This year, outdoor provision and enhancing outdoor play facilities was prioritised. Under regulations, every service registered with Tusla from June 2016 must have access to outdoor facilities on premises. Those services that registered before that date must give children access to outdoor space on a daily basis. Tusla inspects for compliance with these regulations.

In terms of the national strategy for babies and young children, we identify children's health as a priority. Under the free GP care scheme, children are weighed at ages two and five and undergo a range of developmental checks. My colleague, Ms O'Flaherty, can elaborate further but in terms of weighing children in preschool, there is no policy on that.