Written answers

Tuesday, 9 May 2017

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Early Childhood Care and Education

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

674. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide the resources to set up a central system to register early years child care practitioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22029/17]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs established the National Collaborative Forum for the Early Years Care and Education Sector (The Early Years Forum) to allow issues of relevance to be discussed with key stakeholders. The Forum has enabled consultation and engagement between the Minister, key Department of Children and Youth Affairs officials, and key representatives of the sector.

Based on a recommendation from the Minister, members of the Early Years Forum have convened a working group to look at Professionalisation of the Early Years sector to assist with driving improvements in the quality of services for children. One area which this group is considering is the possibility of setting up an Early Years Council or professional regulator which would have responsibility, amongst other roles, for registering Early Years practitioners. Such a Council would take over certain responsibilities currently held by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Skills. Clearly the establishment of a professional regulator would require legislation and has costs associated with it. Agreement to progress same would have to be made on a cross Departmental basis and be included in an estimates process. It is also important to note that the establishment of a professional regulator usually follows from a profession itself advancing professional standards and codes of conduct.

The Minister looks forward to continuing her engagement with the Early Years Forum on this matter.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.