Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Question 142: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider a review of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and Amendment Regulations 1997 to encourage greater supply of child care in the State. [17955/05]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and Amendment Regulations 1997, which give effect to the provisions of Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991, provide for notification to and inspection by the Health Service Executive of pre-school services. The regulations apply to pre-schools, play groups, day nurseries, crèches, child minders 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 secure the health, safety and welfare of pre-school children and promote the development of children attending pre-school services.

A review of the regulations has been undertaken by a group chaired by my Department. The review has been completed subject to clarification of a small number of legal and technical issues. It is intended that the revised regulations will build on the existing good standards in our pre-school services.