Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
491. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the recent inspection report made by the Health Information and Quality Authority, which was published on 3 July 2015, and which outlines serious concerns for children who may be at risk in the north Dublin area; the actions his Department plans to take in response to this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28642/15]
View answerThe Child Welfare and Protection Services in Dublin North were inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in February of this year. Their findings were published at the start of July, along with an action plan from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to address all the issued identified, and which was accepted by HIQA. There were two areas of significant risk identified which concerned delays in assessments by dedicated social workers and the management of cases concerning adults who are alleged to pose a risk to children.
These risks were immediately brought to the attention of the Area Manager by the inspectors, and action was taken to address the issues. The identified risks were attributed largely to staffing deficits being experienced in the area. Tusla is actively working to fill social work vacancies. I understand that internal staff transfers have commenced to assist in the handling of high priority cases. Training is being rolled out that will improve the management of lower risk cases, including training on the use of the Meitheal pathway and ensuring that, where it is appropriate to do so, families can be referred to family support services. Training for social work duty teams is also being rolled out in relation to cultural competency. Tusla has confirmed that as part of the action plan, resources will be made available to meet the demands of the plan as agreed with the management team.
The number of positives identified in the report should also be noted. The service was found to be competently managed with strong leadership and good communications. HIQA found that children at most serious risk of harm received a timely and effective service and there was excellent inter-agency collaboration, strong leadership and communication systems in the area. Good efforts are being made to deploy the limited resources available. Social workers advocated strongly for children in accessing specialist services and children’s rights were well respected. Other positives found within the service include strategies in place to safeguard and protect children from abuse and to promote their welfare.
