Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:18 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to establish a social services inspectorate and the timescale in this regard. [18901/98]
Written Answers. - Social Services Inspectorate.
Gay Mitchell
Question:63 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in putting in place the social service inspectorate; and the reason legislation to place such inspectorate on a statutory basis is not included in the Government's legislative programme. [18975/98]
Michael Creed
Question:64 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in putting in place the social service inspectorate; and the reason legislation to place such inspectorate on a statutory basis is not included in the Government's legislative programme. [18976/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 63 and 64 together.
The establishment of a social services inspectorate is a priority for my Department. In view of the urgency of establishing the inspectorate, it has been decided to proceed initially on an administrative basis, and accordingly legislation is not required at this stage.
The advertisement for the post of chief inspector of the social services inspectorate appeared in the national papers on 23 and 24 July 1998. The candidates are currently being shortlisted and interviews will follow this within two weeks approximately.