Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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568. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will clarify the new fee structure for registration of preschool services; if this new fee will replace the existing fee; the current level of funding from existing fee and the projected level of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50258/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Legislative amendments to underpin the implementation of key changes under the Pre-School Quality Agenda are currently being progressed including legislation to provide for the introduction of a registration system for pre-school services. Pre-school services are currently required to pay an annual registration fee to the HSE of between €40 and €80 depending on the level of service they provide. The range of fees are being reviewed and a final decision in relation to the level of the annual fee payable, which will also differ on the level of service provided, will be made shortly. It is intended that a significant portion of this additional funding will be utilised to support the development of an effective inspection framework to improve and maintain the quality of childcare services.