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

Parents and people throughout the country are still reacting to the "Prime Time" exposé of behaviour in crèches and the cruelty to children and emotional abuse that was witnessed in the film footage of that programme. Many people are looking for immediate responses as well as medium and short-term responses. The situation has clearly shocked many people across the country.

I put it to the Tánaiste that some immediate steps could be taken to respond to the issues raised and enhance the service currently in place, in particular the inspection regime. Yesterday, I mentioned to the Taoiseach five areas that have had no inspectors for the past while, namely, Dublin south city, Sligo-Leitrim, Louth, Cavan and north Monaghan. Can the Tánaiste indicate a specific timeline for the filling of vacancies in those areas where there are no inspectors to carry out any inspection of child care facilities? I am sure he will agree this is unacceptable, so will he confirm that these vacancies will be filled immediately and a timeline will be outlined?

In regard to the crèches that were the subject of the RTE investigative programme, will funding be cut from them, given the serious breaches of regulations that were uncovered? Does the Tánaiste find it acceptable that the crèches concerned, in particular those under Garda investigation, should remain open while under investigation? Should their activities be suspended pending the outcome of such investigations or, alternatively, should significant additional safeguards be put in to protect children in those crèches? Would the Tánaiste agree that CCTV cameras should be introduced immediately in all crèches? Currently, two out of three have CCTV in place.

I refer to the 50,000 children who are minded in their homes by private childminders. In the original heads of the children first Bill, head 4 did not provide for training, licensing or any kind of inspection regime. Will these be include in the actual Bill? The legislation is a key issue. I have not received specific confirmation in terms of the timeline for the children first Bill - when can we expect it? My understanding is that the heads were published some time ago but the legislation has gone back to the drawing board.

I refer to the child and family agency concerning which, again, there is no clear timeline as to when legislation will be published and enacted. Considered objectively, and given the suggested timeline for the legislation, it looks as if that agency will not be established until well into 2014. We need urgent clarification on the legislative area, particularly for the children first legislation and the child and family support agency.

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