Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Despite the ongoing duplication of inspection systems in early years settings, it is questionable whether the procedure is robust enough to identify services that pose a risk to the health and welfare of children. There are massive gaps in oversight across many regions. That is why the Minister's predecessor, supported by all sides of the House, acknowledged the need for the publication of the new regulations. What is the reason for the delay? We are constantly told we have a new fully fledged Department with its Minister sitting at the Cabinet table. Given that there is a full Department in operation, one would imagine regulations as important as these would have been published without delay. They are required urgently.

The Minister rightly referred to the passage of the legislation in January 2014. It means that 4,500 early years services must be re-registered by 1 January 2017, despite the fact that this deadline is just one year away. Two years have elapsed in which not one of the services has applied to re-register. The Minister may correct me if I am wrong. If what I say is correct, we are leaving 100% of the work to be done in one third of the time. Is the Minister confident that it will be completed on time?

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