Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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388. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a crèche (details supplied) will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38690/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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389. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason temporary letters of practice for a childcare setting have an expiry date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38721/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all staff working directly with children in a pre-school service must hold at least a Level 5 major award in early childhood care and education on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or a qualification that has been deemed to be equivalent.

On a temporary basis, the Department had arranged to reopen the accelerated process for assessment of equivalence with the level 5 minimum qualification requirement for students currently enrolled on a recognised level 6, 7 or 8 course for the summer of 2024. This measure was provided to help services with short-term staffing challenges over the summer period.

To be approved for a letter of qualification recognition of equivalence with the level 5 qualification requirement, a student:

• Must be currently enrolled on a course that is on the list of DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications at level 6, 7 or 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
• Must have successfully completed at least the first year of the course.
• Must have successfully completed a practice placement in-person in an ELC service.

• Completed, signed Application Form (a typed name will not suffice).
• Transcripts for each year of the course completed so far.
• A letter from the college/institution confirming that they are continuing their studies.
• Evidence of work practice/experience in an Early Years setting with children aged 0 – 6 years.