Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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439. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No.132 of 24 February 2015, the progress to date on providing paediatric first-aid; the standards; his plans to publish the new regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30255/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As I outlined in my previous reply, I am very anxious that all people working directly with children in the early years sector have an appropriate Paediatric First Aid qualification. However, there is no accredited award in Paediatric First Aid at any level on the National Framework of Qualifications. There is an accredited award in Occupational First Aid and it is a stipulation that the training can only be provided by organisations or individuals on the Register of Occupational First Aid Training Providers. This register is maintained on behalf of the Health and Safety Authority by the Occupational First Aid Assessment Agent.

The delivery of Paediatric First Aid courses could be regulated by developing a Special Purpose Award through Quality and Qualifications Ireland and my Department has already sent such an award proposal to them. However, the same standards that apply to the delivery of the Occupational First Aid award should also apply to Paediatric First Aid courses. There are currently a lot of companies delivering one day courses in Paediatric First Aid and offering their own certificate of accreditation. I would like to see an external quality assurance process in place to ensure that these companies have the skills and competences to deliver a nationally accredited course.

My Department is continuing to liaise with the relevant agencies seeking to progress the development of a Special Purpose Award in Paediatric First Aid and the external quality assurance of the delivery of such an award, and I have asked my officials to keep me informed of developments in this matter.

Officials in my Department are working closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to develop a comprehensive draft of the new childcare regulations which will include a requirement that early years services have a person trained in first aid available at all times. I hope to publish these new regulations shortly.