Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department of Education and Skills established a working group some weeks ago with the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. My Department is represented on the group and the issue of access to preschool education for children with a disability is part of the agenda we will examine in the coming weeks to identify what further progress can be made in this area.

In regard to Children First, the heads of Bill are close to completion, with only a small amount of final work being done on them. I am not sure when precisely the revised heads will be passed by the Cabinet but, if possible, it will be before the end of this term. Other legislation is also in train, with substantial work being done on various adoption legislation.

I was asked about new posts and the inspectors. I am in negotiations in regard to funding for these positions. It is important to have a complete inspection service nationwide and new funding is required to provide such a service. As I stated, I am in discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on that matter and in respect of the mentoring programme to which Deputy McLellan alluded.

The inspection reports will be published online. Under a memorandum of understanding agreed by the HSE, the reports will be made available on the Pobal website.