Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Many thanks to the Minister for her opening statement, which gives us a good clear picture of the status of a number of key initiatives this year, including the Child and Family Agency. I thank the Minister for her very thorough response to a parliamentary question on Oberstown. Will interim accommodation be necessary while the new development is built? Regarding the spending of €3 million on the youth programmes in the budget 2014 and the cuts, there is not much going on for young people by way of employment and facilities, particularly in new towns, and the cuts will exacerbate that. The Minister needs to take note of that. When the Football Association of Ireland, FAI, ran the Dublin street leagues there was a 49% reduction in local Garda call-outs, and it cost only €15,000. If one puts in the money one reaps the rewards.

On the level of inspections of preschool facilities, we should seek to ensure all areas are compliant with the minimum frequency of 18 months. Which areas are out of step in this regard and when can we expect that all areas will be subject to inspection with a frequency of under 18 months? I tabled a question on the area-based approach to child poverty initiative before publication of the details. It is a very positive initiative. Are there plans to expand it to other areas within the lifetime of this Government?