Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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817. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to review the 2006 Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31016/14]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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818. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is satisfied with the current first aid requirements in place in relation to staff as provided for in the 2006 Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations; his plans to make it mandatory for all persons employed in the care of pre-school children to be trained in paediatric first aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31017/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 817 and 818 together.

As pointed out to the Deputy in reply to a previous Question on this matter on 10 April 2014, this Department is in the process of introducing a number of reforms with a view to improving the quality of early years services.

Legislation to strengthen the current inspection regime and underpin the Early Years Quality Agenda has been enacted. Regulations to give effect to the legislative changes are expected to be published shortly. At that point, a new registration system will require services to register with the Early Years Inspectorate in advance of opening, rather than simply notifying the Inspectorate of their existence. This will allow the Inspectorate to assess the quality of a service before it commences operation. Inspectors will also be able to impose conditions on services which, if not complied with, may result in de-registration. In the interim period, all new services receive a pre-registration visit.

New National Standards for preschool services will also be published shortly and will provide the basis against which services will be inspected and reported on. Services will be supported in working towards higher standards of quality based on clearer criteria for measuring compliance levels.

Following the implementation of the new regulatory regime, my Department will review all aspects of the Regulations, including the provision of first aid support in early years services.