Vol. 489 No. 6
431 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the regulations and guidelines dealing with the matter of consent from long-term foster parents in relation to medical care, with particular reference to incidents where foster parents do not have access to full medical history of the foster child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8859/98]
Most children in care of the health board have ongoing contact with their parents and the parents continue to be involved in their children's lives and are consulted in relation to their wellbeing including any necessary medical treatment. In cases of planned treatment, the parents are requested to give their consent and often accompany the child and foster parents to the hospital.
However, health boards are charged with making decisions in relation to the best interests of children in their care and it is open to boards to obtain a court order where the parents refuse consent to treatment.
If a previously unknown child is taken into care on an emergency basis it is likely that the child's medical history will not be known. In this instance, the information would be supplied to the foster parents as soon as it is known.
The Irish Foster Care Association has raised concerns regarding the position of foster parents in cases where consent to medical treatment of a foster child is required. The health boards are examining these concerns at present.
