Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I support the broad thrust of Deputy Robert Troy’s amendment. If constructing it myself, I might have chosen the phrase “at least annually”, which would probably better reflect the Deputy’s intent and the supportive arguments presented by Deputy Charlie McConalogue. That said, we must recognise that “from time to time” might not provide for the required reporting parents seek in determining the suitability of early years services for their child or children or their desire to have an updated assessment of a service the child or children already attend.

The insertion of the word “annually” is a step forward. The Minister made a point on inspections taking place every three years, two years, one year or whatever the case may be. Is there a requirement that a visit must happen within three years? "From time to time" could mean beyond three years. The broad thrust of the amendment is meritorious. While I would have worded it slightly differently, it is an advance on the words “from time to time”. Therefore, I join Deputy Charlie McConalogue in supporting it for these very reasons.

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