Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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461. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there will be a recognition in her plans for reform of childcare and pre-school care facilities for staff members and creche owners whose childcare qualifications are prior to FETAC and whose montessori diploma have been granted a FETAC 5 equivalent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32908/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme introduced the first-ever requirement for minimum qualifications for staff working in the childcare sector. Under the programme, the pre-school leader must currently hold a qualification in childcare/early education at a minimum of Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications of Ireland (NFQ), or a nationally-recognised qualification equivalent to FETAC Level 5 or a higher award in the childcare/early education field. A higher capitation rate is payable under the ECCE programme to services where all of the pre-school leaders hold a bachelor degree in childhood/early education (minimum of Level 7 on the NFQ) and have three years experience working in the sector, and where all of the pre-school assistants hold a relevant major award in childcare/early education at Level 5 on the NFQ.

I have indicated my intention to increase the qualification requirements for all staff working in pre-school services. The minimum requirement of Level 5 or equivalent for pre-school leaders delivering the pre-school year will be increased to Level 6 or equivalent. In addition, all pre-school assistants, and all other staff caring for children in a pre-school service, will be subject to a minimum requirement of Level 5. This requirement will be effective from September 2014 for new services, and from September 2015 for existing services. While I recognise the valuable experience which many childcare staff may have accrued, it is now essential that all staff have qualifications on a formal recognised basis. My Department is currently examining measures to support training for childcare staff in line with the increased qualification requirements.