Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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1944. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether evaluation has taken place regarding the implementation of the Irish food allergy network’s guidance about best practices in childcare settings. [45576/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department launched the Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care in 2023, developed in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and the Department of Health. The aim of these standards is to inform, develop and implement Healthy Eating Policy and practice in Early Learning and Care Services. This is to ensure the promotion of healthy foods and drinks in main meals, snacks and celebrations, are agreed in partnership with children, parents, service providers and the wider community.

These standards outline how a child can be prevented from developing allergic reactions to certain foods and how early learning and care services must go about the provision of food for those children with allergies and intolerances.

Regulation 22 of the Early Years Services Regulations 2016 (S.I 221/2016) states that ’A registered provider shall ensure that adequate and suitable, nutritious and varied food and drink is available for each pre-school child attending the pre-school service’. Under these Regulations, services are required to develop a Policy on Healthy Eating. The Tusla Early Years Inspectorate inspects the Policy against these Regulations.

The Tusla Quality and Regulatory Framework states that where a written Individual Care Plan is required, the service ensures that the care provided to each child is in line with their own plan. The plan:

• is developed with the service, if appropriate;
• describes the current developmental level of the child;
• details any chronic diseases or health issues the child is currently receiving treatment and care for;
• Examples: allergies, asthma, sensory impairment.
• documents current medications, medical treatments and other therapeutic interventions;
• specifies how the service will meet the child’s needs.