Child and Family Agency Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017

Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Questions (814)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

814. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied that the present CEO of Tusla is the most suitable candidate (details supplied) to lead the reform of the agency; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that as the head of child protection in Dundee, Scotland, this person was severely criticised by the UK Government inspectors which after examining 18 key performance areas in Dundee ruled that nine were weak or unsatisfactory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9968/17]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Board of the Child and Family Agency appointed the current Chief Executive Officer in February 2016, in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013.

The appointment followed a competitive selection process run by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and in accordance with the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible to the Board for the performance of his functions and the implementation of the Tusla’s corporate plan as per section 29(1) of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013.

The Board is accountable to me for the performance of its functions including the delegation of functions to the CEO in accordance with Section 21 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013.

Tusla is engaged in an extensive programme of reform of our child welfare and protection services. Together with my officials, I engage on a regular basis with the Board and members of the senior management team within Tusla to review the progress being made, in this regard, in line with commitments as set out on an annual basis by Tusla in its Business Plan.

I have noted the information provided by the Deputy which has been in the public domain for some time.