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

There is a huge amount of work involved in reviewing the reports and ensuring there is a standardised approach for the future. That is being done. As I said, the inspection reports are being published county by county. It is just a question of the time it takes. We expect that by the middle of next year, all the reports on inspections that have taken place will be available. It is important to remember there has been a huge increase in the number of preschool services from the late 1990s to now. It has increased from 1,000 to 4,700. In terms of inspecting those 4,700 and ensuring there is quality, I agree with the Deputy there has not been enough focus on this. That is changing with the initiatives I have outlined. I am confident, too, that there is a greater awareness among parents with regard to questioning their providers, asking them about the inspection reports and raising any quality issues they have. That is very healthy.

There is a range of initiatives under way which should deal with the issues the Deputy outlined and the concerns about quality.

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