Mr. Gordon Jeyes:

I turn to Deputy Robert Troy's questions first. In the context of the social-work reform programme, I will not go into the four HIQA reports which were produced in the last fortnight, in any detail. Of the four, three were complimentary. I am as disappointed as others that there is still much to do in the Dublin north west area. I give one statistic, although I note that even in respect of it there has been improvement which is reflected in the report if not in the press release. In the first quarter of 2011, a mere 38% of foster carers had been approved, which was a shocking statistic at that point. By the fourth quarter of 2012, 83% of foster carers had been approved. I will not go into other statistics and I am not excusing this. It is unacceptable and there will be intervention. A very good action plan has been produced and the other actions are being taken.