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Audit Report on Neglect Cases

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (1028, 1029)

Denis Naughten

Question:

1028. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when it is expected that audits of all serious neglect cases will commence; the estimated number of files to be reviewed and the timeline for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35080/13]

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Denis Naughten

Question:

1029. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the discussions she has had with other Departments on foot of the publication of the audit report on neglect cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35081/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1028 and 1029 together.

An audit of neglect cases in Roscommon, Waterford and Dublin South-East has been completed by the HSE. The HSE published a composite report of the 3 pilots on 20 June 2013. A decision was taken within the HSE to produce this composite report as the best means of disseminating the learning from the three projects. The decision to publish a composite report, along with the time taken by the HSE to ensure that all of the recommendations are being actioned, were factors in determining the publication date of the report.

From the outset, it was the intention of the HSE that the neglect audit would comprise a number of phases and that the initial pilot phase would inform a more significant National Audit of Neglect Cases. Therefore the audit published in June last was not simply a once off exercise but constitutes one element of a wider process to improve practice in relation to such cases across the country. Phase 1 of this process was the initial audits undertaken by Ms Lynne Peyton, Consultant in Children’s Services and Social Care. Phase 2 will comprise a series of workshops for social work staff and managers nationwide. There will be a minimum of two workshops in each region presented by Ms Peyton in conjunction with Ms Helen Buckley, who will be covering the learning emerging from the child death review process. These workshops are scheduled to begin in autumn 2013 and will be followed by the phase 3 national audit of all neglect files which will be informed by the findings of phase 1 and the outcomes of the phase 2 workshops. A definitive timeline for completion of phases 2 and 3 is dependent on completion of phase 2 at regional level and thereafter individual local audits. It follows that different regions will complete their audits at different times. My Department will be liaising with the HSE over the coming months to monitor progress.

As regards consultations, these have been exclusively with officials in the HSE around progressing to the next phases of the audit process. Any issue emerging as the audit process proceeds will be raised through the interdepartmental Children First Implementation Group.

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