Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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30. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to make it compulsory for those caring for preschool children to be trained in paediatric first aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43922/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As pointed out to the Deputy in replies to previous Questions on this matter, this Department is in the process of introducing a number of reforms with a view to improving the quality of early years services.

The revised Child Care Regulations which are required under the new amendments to Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991 are currently being developed in association with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The drafting of the new regulations has required a root and branch re-examination of the existing regulations including a restructuring of regulations and guidance content in line with the latest drafting practices. This has proved more time consuming than originally envisaged but is close to finalisation. The final draft will include a requirement that early years services have a person trained in first aid for children available at all times.