Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply, which essentially confirms a very disturbing situation where investigations are under way in terms of mistreatment of children in crèches in this city. It also highlights the issue around the inspection and monitoring of standards in such facilities and the adequacy of such inspections.

I know the Minister was asked some time ago whether the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, should be tasked with ensuring standards are adhered to in private and public crèche facilities. The reply was somewhat equivocal on the point about an expanded role for HIQA. Currently, it inspects under sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004. By any objective perspective, most people would accept HIQA's work has been of extremely high quality in the various areas it has operated to date. Nonetheless, the revelations that are emerging call for a reassessment. The Minister said the Department would continue to review and monitor the regulatory environment for preschool services. This has been a very significant wake up call given the context of the revelations we have heard about and which the Tánaiste has confirmed - or he has at least confirmed the investigations into those incidents. A stronger role for HIQA is called for.

I ask the Tánaiste to confirm that the Minister would be of a disposition to give an enhanced role to HIQA in this arena. Second, will he indicate when the Children First Bill and the child and family agency Bill will be published? These are critical pieces of legislation that have been awaited for some time.

See this speech in context