Kathleen Lynch
Question:88 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference of the proposed inspectorate of social services to be established within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11895/96]
Written Answers. - Social Services Inspectorate.
Officials of my Department are working on the details of establishing the inspectorate of social services. While the inspectorate will be initially concerned with child care, it will in time take on responsibility for other vulnerable groups, such as the dependent elderly and people with disabilities. I envisaged that the principal functions of the inspectorate will be the quality assurance and audit of child care practice. It will contribute substantially to the overall quality improvement process and the promotion of good practice in child care services. It will provide an external overview of the child care services and will evaluate and assess the child care structures and services which health board management has put in place. It will issue guidelines on good practice and ensure a uniform approach throughout the country. In addition, the inspectorate will undertake inquiries on behalf of the Minister for Health.