Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 92: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if in view of the increasing number of children being cared for by non-relative childminders and crèche providers, it is intended to introduce an enhanced level of inspection of facilities used by child care professionals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24259/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for the implementation of 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 and 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, childminders looking after more than three pre-school children (other than their own such children, children of relatives or a sibling group) in the childminders own home and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age.

A review of the Regulations was undertaken by a group chaired by the Department of Health and Children which included the childcare organisations and the HSE. Work on the revised Regulations is at a very advanced stage following the consideration of various technical and legal issues. It is the intention that the revised Regulations will be signed shortly and introduced later in the year.

The notification and inspection service is managed by the pre-school inspection teams of the Health Service Executive who are appointed by the Executive as authorised persons for this purpose. These teams also provide an advisory service to the services which are statutorily required to notify in order to assist them in achieving and maintaining the appropriate standard. They also provide information to interested persons including parents, on pre-school services in the area.

Following inspection of a service the inspectors provide the service provider with a report on the outcome of the inspection. The teams then work closely with service providers in addressing the recommendations of the inspection reports. Where persistent breaches of legislation occur the Health Service Executive can initiate prosecutions. In addition the inspection teams on receipt of a warrant from the District Court can inspect a premises where it is believed that a pre-school service is being carried on without notification having been given to the Health Service Executive.

In 2001, a childminder advisory service was put in place to support and advise childminders of pre-school children who are exempt from notification under the legislation i.e. those caring for 3 or less pre-school children, a sibling group of pre-school children or pre-school children of relatives. Such childminders are encouraged to voluntarily notify this service. The childminder advisory service is operated at local level through the County Childcare Committees/HSE. The childminder advisory officers provide networking opportunities, advice, advisory visits, support and training for childminders who voluntarily notify.