Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the frequency and extent of crèche inspection by the Health Service Executive throughout the country; the criteria under which crèches are evaluated by the inspectors; the most recent results published by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32012/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and (Amendment) Regulations 1997 give effect to Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991 and provide for notification to, and inspection by the Health Service Executive of preschool 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 Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for the implementation of these Regulations.

Judgments as to whether a pre-school service is in compliance with the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and (Amendment) Regulations 1997 are made on inspection by the pre-school services inspection teams of the Health Service Executive.

As the question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.