To ask the Minister of Health when he will publish the public consultation on (i) adult to child ratios; and (ii) health declarations for prospective childcare workers, as part of the broader review of Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care.

The first stage of the review of the Minimum Standards, a public consultation on adult-child ratios and the requirement for all prospective childcare workers to provide a health declaration countersigned by their GP, was launched on Monday 24 March 2025.

Following the close of the consultation on 20 June 2025, all responses will be collated for review by the Department, and a consultation report will be produced.

If it is considered that any urgent changes should be made to the Minimum Standards in advance of the completion of the wider review, these changes will be communicated through a Departmental Press Release, a Circular to HSC Trusts and a letter to all childcare providers.