Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2015
149. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of the concerns of the head of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, (details supplied) as expressed in The Irish Times on 8 June 2015 regarding Louth-Meath child protection services; the action that is necessary to ensure a rapid improvement in these services; the way this situation has arisen and the concerns he has. [24058/15]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency has been implementing a national quality assurance strategy and the findings to date are that, generally, there are good systems in place for managing and monitoring cases. Improvements were needed in the refinement and consistent application of some processes and definitions, particularly with respect to the appropriate diversion of cases to a local area pathway or for a case to be formally closed.
Local area pathways involve working with parents to provide support focussed on protective factors for children, and family support to avail of universal services. I understand that the findings from the ongoing quality assurance work will be used to inform future business planning with my Department. In the Louth/Meath administrative area, Tusla has indicated that key aspects of the service were not at an acceptable standard. Currently, intervention measures, led by the Chief Operations Officer, are being taken to address this. This involves a comprehensive action plan and the reinforcing of the management structures in line with the service delivery model.
I have been informed that an inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on services in the Louth/Meath administrative area has taken place. I understand that publication of this report, in line with HIQA's procedures, is expected in the near future. I will refrain from further comment until the report has been published, other than to say that I have been advised that the interventions needed to support and progress service improvements, referred to in the associated action plan, are well under way.
