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

On the issue raised by Deputy Kenny, there is an investigation under way of Ideal Care Services and the unvetted staff issue. The model should be examined but we should be under no illusion that it would take a considerable length of time to develop both the physical capacity and the multidisciplinary capacity that would be required to deal with vulnerable children. On balance, I favour the idea of a stronger State involvement than merely privately outsourcing. It does not mean that all privately outsourced facilities are bad or poor, but certainly a very alarming situation has arisen and there are issues, so we need to examine the model.

I thought Deputy Ó Murchú was talking in terms of the Defence Forces. It will go from the early 50s to 60. I will do that by regulation by the end of the month. That will happen on 29 March in respect of the Defence Forces. It will go up to 60 from where it is now, and then to 62 when we have legislation passed. It is a big move for the Defence Forces, however. I do not have the specifics on the fire services, prison officers or gardaí as to timelines, but I will ensure we get that information to the Deputy.

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