Mr. Gerry McKiernan:

There were two rounds of interviews for inspectors to fill the vacancies that exist across the system in October and November and in January. Preferred candidates have been chosen for each location. They are being deployed as we speak. I acknowledge the priority given to this recruitment by the national recruitment service of the HSE. Panels have been formed from which any new posts can be filled. The new posts will be deployed to areas where they are most needed. We are doing assessment of the overall capacity required. Where there is a higher incidence of providers, there is a greater need for an enhanced inspection capacity in those locations.

In terms of the number of inspections carried out in 2013, the figure is 2,432, representing 52% of all inspections of services carried out. We received more than 300 complaints and eight prosecutions were instituted. We are open for business in respect of complaints, referrals, or requests for advice and information because it is critical, even in the current circumstances, that parents, providers and staff can have confidence we will respond to issues referred to us and queries that need clarification. A comprehensive information programme was devised comprehensive and rolled out by Fiona McDonnell to the providers. They have been given a lot of information, advice and support and clarification on what is coming down the line in the legislative provisions. Providers have been corresponded with alerting them to the new arrangements in 2014 as the legislation is enacted. I emphasise that we are open and want to hear from parents and the public about any matters of concern.

Where complaints are received, an immediate risk assessment is undertaken because complaints vary in scale of seriousness. The most serious are prioritised for immediate investigation on whatever action may be required to follow. When will we ever have an appropriate coverage in terms of inspection capacity? Some might say that we will never have it but the approach we are taking is on the basis of determining where the greatest needs arise and, at a minimum, the entire country must be covered and that is the approach under way.

In respect of the inspections deficit as a result of vacancies, there is still the capacity to deploy staff from neighbouring areas to address issues that arise on any given day. That has been happening since the "A Breach of Trust" programme and it will continue to be the case until we have national coverage.