The report of the Inquiry into the Operation of Madonna House was published in May 1996. This is an abridged version of the report prepared by the inquiry team.
The report, as published, contains important recommendations for protecting the welfare of children in residential care and for improving standards in the sector generally. To a certain extent, the recommendations of the report were anticipated and steps were taken while it was being prepared to deal with issues subsequently highlighted in the report. The recommendations made were relevant to a number of Government Departments as well as to health boards and voluntary groups who manage residential homes.
In view of the importance of the report, it was also decided to publish the recommendations in full as an appendix to the Guide to Good Practice in Children's Residential Centres which was incorporated into the Child Care (Standards in Children's Residential Centres) Regulations, 1996.
In regard to the detailed position on the implementation of these recommendations, I will communicate separately with the Deputy.