Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gordon Jeyes is putting in place a national inspection system for preschool facilities for the first time. I am in discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on allocating sufficient resources to employ an inspector in every area. That will be a budgetary decision but my Department and I are involved in key discussions in that regard. It is clear that we need more inspectors and I want to ensure that inspectors are available on a consistent basis around the country.

In regard to the Deputy's question about the number of inspections, they have been completed in a number of counties, including Limerick, Clare, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal. As there are 4,400 services, a significant number of reports must be prepared. Approximately 30% of the reports have issued thus far. The agencies involved have done well to start the process but it is resource intensive and we want inspectors to be inspecting rather than concentrating on putting the reports online. Their work has to be balanced.

I have not made a final decision on the issue of child minders but it is under consideration. We will have to think carefully about the implications of including, for example, those who mind children under the age of three versus all child minders.

See this speech in context