Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many qualified officers are employed in each of the four health and social services boards responsible for registration and inspection of services under the Children Act 1989.
§ Mr. HanleyThe Children Act 1989 does not apply in Northern Ireland. However, under the Children and36W Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968, the number of qualified officers in the health and social services boards responsible for registration and inspection of day care services is as follows:
Health and social services board Number of qualified officers (whole-time equivalent) Eastern 13.0 Western 1.0 Northern 5.5 Southern 4.0
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations there have been with child care associations in Northern Ireland in applying the Children Act 1989, with particular reference to the setting of standards and the quality of service under the care of children provisions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyThe Children Act 1989 does not apply in Northern Ireland, where child care services are currently governed by the Children and Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968. However, a proposal for a draft Children (Northern Ireland) Order to reform the law in Northern Ireland on the care and upbringing of children along the lines of the Children Act 1989 will be issued shortly for widespread public consultation.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set out in full the duties of registration officers engaged under the Children Act 1989 within the health and social services boards in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. HanleyThe Children Act does not apply in Northern Ireland, where day care services in the non-statutory sector are regulated by the Children and Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968, by regulations issued under this Act and by departmental guidance. These regulations and guidance will be revised as part of the implementation of the proposed Children (Northern Ireland) Order and will take account, as appropriate, of the relevant requirements and advice on day care issued under the Children Act 1989.