Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Unless and until such an appointee reports directly to the Minister of State's office the defects in the child care system will continue. Will the Minister of State confirm that this initiative arises directly from the PA Consultants' report? I remind him of that report's recommendations which pointed clearly to confusion and lack of consistency in terms of how child care services are being run in this country. The report specifically adverted to a serious lack of transparency, an absence of accountability and any form of responsibility within the system. Unless and until the new international child care director is prepared to act within specific timeframes on the PA Consultants' report, this initiative will not be what is required in the circumstances.

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