Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2015
140. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has had any discussion with the Health Information and Quality Authority regarding the next report on child detention conditions in view of the fact these reports are supposed to be carried out on an annual basis but the most recent one was published in November 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2193/15]
View answerIn accordance with section 185 of the Children Act 2001, the Health Information and Quality Authority have been authorised to undertaken inspections of the children detention schools, which are required to be undertaken at least once every 12 months. HIQA is independent in the exercise of its functions.
I can confirm to the Deputy that HIQA conducted their last inspection of the children detention schools in Oberstown between 28 October and 3 November 2014. Following on from these inspections, HIQA will issue a report in accordance with the agreed protocol entitled “Protocol for Health Information and Quality Authority Inspections of Children Detention Schools". The protocol is outlined in Appendix A of the Standards and Criteria for Children Detention Schools, which is available on the Irish Youth Justice Service website and I have asked my officials to forward this material to the Deputy. I am advised that the HIQA report on this recent inspection is expected in the near future.
