122 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Education if he has considered the submission of the Association of Montessori Teachers of Ireland concerning the impact of part seven of the Child Care Act, 1991, on the operation of Montessori Schools; his views concerning the definition of a pre-school child as provided for under the Act and to be addressed in regulations to be drafted by the Minister for Health in consultation with him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The submission of the Association of Montessori Teachers of Ireland is currently under consideration within my Department. A meeting to discuss the matter is being organised with the parties concerned.

The enactment of the Child Care Act is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Health and they are currently in the process of implementing the second and third phases of the Act. Discussion on part seven of the Act, has not commenced as yet and I do not wish to make a statement on this matter until the full consultative process has been completed.