Ms Fiona McDonnell:

On how often inspections are undertaken, unfortunately, it depends on where one lives. Some inspection services have capacity and carry out inspections annually and conduct follow-up and review visits in the same year. In other areas, predominantly Dublin areas, there is only limited capacity. This is the result of the moratorium and the large number of retirements over the past two years. Inspection services in these areas range from 18 to 24 months.

On registration and the HSE reform programme in respect of inspection, the rationale for registration is to enhance the regulatory position of the HSE to ensure early years services are subject to inspection prior to opening. Currently, the HSE inspects retrospectively. Phase 1 of regulation will include assessment of the regulatory requirements applicable to determine how a service is designed and the suitability of persons working therein. Phase 2 will provide for the introduction of national standards and examine outcomes for children. As such, there will be a change in our inspection reports. The design and lay-out will be different. Reports will be more explicit and will provide information to parents on the type of service available from providers. The reports will also detail the care, welfare and development of the child and look at supports for curriculum and programmes of care. They will clearly demonstrate the HSE's view of a service on inspection. The existing inspection regime is compliance based and includes many regulations. In future, we will look specifically at the health, welfare and development of the child and the components around care of children.

On Senator van Turnhout's question in regard to protected disclosure for whistleblowers, protected disclosure is a mechanism within the HSE and is underpinned by the Health Acts 2004 and 2007. It sets out procedures and specific duties for the HSE in regard to acceptance of disclosures. In the normal course of events, employees who want to report concerns generally do so to their line manager or, if appropriate, to another manager in the workplace. However, in exceptional circumstances, employees may raise their concerns with anyone in the system, which will then go through the protected disclosure process. Under legislation enacted in 2009, a dedicated protected disclosure office was set up in the HSE in 2010. It welcomes and values reporting and ensures impartial investigation of good faith reports made by staff. I hope that provides some assurance on the matter.

On county child care committees and their work with the HSE, there is great co-operation between both organisations. The HSE has identified areas which require further development in terms of regulation No. 5. Our colleagues and support workers on the county child care committees would provide this support and training. There is evidence of this but it is not standardised countrywide.