Vol. 481 No. 3
68 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress, if any, which has been made in establishing an independent inspectorate of childcare in his Department; and the timetable for the development of such a service. [15932/97]
The establishment of an inspectorate of social services is a priority for the Government. A comprehensive consultative process involving health professionals and other key interests has identified a number of important issues which must be resolved before establishing an inspectorate of social services. Among these issues the most significant are the structure of the inspectorate and the nature of its relationship with the Department of Health and Children, and the extent to which the inspectorate will be involved in child care inquiries. My Department is considering these issues and proposals will be prepared for consideration by the Government.
