41.— (1) The functions of the chief inspector are to—

F38[(a) inspect the performance—

(i) by the Executive of the Executive’s functions under section 10 of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990, and

(ii) by the Agency of the Agency’s functions under sections 39 to 42 and section 53 of the Child Care Act 1991,]

(b) establish and maintain one or more registers of designated centres,

F39[(ba) collect and maintain information relating to specified designated centres within the meaning of section 65A, in accordance with that section and any regulations made under section 101B,

(bb) inspect premises at which the chief inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is carrying on the business of a designated centre which is not registered under this Act,]

(c) register and inspect designated centres to assess whether the registered provider is in compliance with the—

(i) regulations, and

(ii) standards, if any, set by the Authority under section 8(1)(b),

F40[(ca) undertake reviews in accordance with section 41A,]

(d) F41[…]

(e) subject to written agreement between the Minister and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, act as an authorised person for the purposes of section 185 of the Children Act 2001, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

(2) If the chief inspector is absent or the position of chief inspector is vacant, the functions of the chief inspector under this section may be performed by an Inspector of Social Services designated by the Authority for the purpose of this subsection.