Foster Care Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2013

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Questions (35)

Gerry Adams

Question:

35. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of allegations against foster carers currently being investigated by the Health Information and Quality Authority; the number of foster carers these allegations have been made against that have not been Garda vetted; the number of allegations of this nature that have been investigated by HIQA each year since its establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7306/13]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Deputy should be aware that statutory remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority does not include investigating allegations made against foster carers. Under Section 69 of the Child Care Act 1991, HIQA inspects foster care services. The statutory responsibility to investigate any allegations, including those made against foster carers, lies with the Health Service Executive (HSE). If an allegation is made against a foster parent, the procedures as set out in Children First are followed. When carrying out foster care inspections, the Authority looks to see that such allegations have been properly addressed. I have asked the HSE for details of the number of allegations that are currently being investigated and I will forward this information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.