Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
281 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will clarify what happens when foster parents and guardians cannot obtain permission from natural parents to go on holiday and obtain passports. [13496/04]
View answerHealth boards, under the provisions of the Child Care Act 1991, are responsible for the provision of child welfare and protection services, including foster care. Foster care is the main form of alternative care for children who cannot, for a number of reasons, be looked after in their home and are taken into the care of a health board.
Where consent is unobtainable from the parents of children in care, for the purposes outlined by the Deputy, a health board may consent or bring the matter to the attention of a district court.
Under the Child Care Act 1991, section 18(3)(b)(iii), where a care order is in force a health board shall have the authority to “give consent to the issue of a passport to the child or to the provision of passport facilities for him, to enable him to travel abroad for a limited period”.
The health board, in exercising these responsibilities, must do what is reasonable for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting a child's health, development or welfare. It would be normal practice for the board to seek consent from parents where appropriate and possible.
