§ Lord Bleaseasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will publish in the Official Report details of the total number of places available in Northern Ireland for child-minding; and what are the facilities provided by the four Northern Ireland H&SS Boards in (a) pre-school playgroups, (b) day nurseries, and (c) private homes—for the last five years for which figures are available.
Viscount LongThe figures (at 30th June each year) are as follows:
Total number of places available in Northern Ireland for Childminding Premises Places Available 1984 2,444 15,603 1985 2,698 16,841 1986 3,097 18,932 1987 3,167 20,206 1988 3,409 21,400
Total number of places in pre-school playgroups provided by H& SS Boards Premises Places Available 1984 21 785 1985 22 789 1986 22 789 1987 20 735 1988 20 639 (Boards also provide financial support to playgroups run by voluntary and community groups).
Total number of places in day nurseries provided by H&SS Boards
None.
Total number of places in private homes provided by H&SS Boards
None. However, boards occasionally pay for the placement of children with individual child minders operating in their own homes.