Vol. 465 No. 5
38 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has for the development of an independent inspectorate of childcare; if so, the timetable envisaged for the development of this inspectorate; the model of inspectorate which he intends to develop; and whether this inspectorate will allow for consistency of approach in procedure and legality in respect of inquiries being held in this country. [10013/96]
I intend to establish a social services inspectorate attached to the Department of Health as part of my ongoing commitment to the delivery of a high quality child care service. The principal functions of the inspectorate will be the quality assurance and audit of child care services. In addition, as I have stated previously, it will be charged with undertaking inquiries on behalf of the Minister. I intend to introduce enabling legislation which will provide for the privileged publication of reports of inquiries undertaken by the inspectorate.
