Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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152. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to publish the revised child care regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7698/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Pre-school services are subject to the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No.2) Regulations 2006, as provided for under Part VII of the Child Care Act, 1991.

My Department is progressing the Early Years Quality Agenda which introduces a number of key of reforms that provide for the further development of the childcare sector. To underpin these reforms, it was necessary to amend the Child Care Act, 1991 and these legislative changes were enacted through the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013.

To provide for the implementation of the changes, it is necessary to carry out a root and branch re-examination of the existing regulations including a restructuring of the regulations and guidance content in line with the latest drafting practices. This has proved more time consuming than originally envisaged. Officials in my Department are working closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to develop a comprehensive draft of the new regulations, and I have asked my officials to have this matter finalised as expeditiously as possible.