Vol. 494 No. 6
27 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children the action, if any, the Government intends to take arising from the report of the review group which examined the McColgan case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18842/98]
One of the most pertinent findings of the review group which examined the McColgan case was that if such a case was to present itself today, the response of the NorthWestern Health Board would have been more efficient in protecting the children. Major changes which have occurred include the implementation of the Child Care Act, 1991, and the investment of £2.6 million in the development of the board's family support and child protection services in the period 1993-98.
The establishment of a social services inspectorate is a priority for my Department, and the chief inspector will be appointed by the end of the year. The inspectorate will be invaluable to the ongoing review of standards of child protection services in all health boards.
I have asked officials in the Department to study the recommendations of the report and all health boards have been asked to examine the report and recommendations carefully and to implement any changes which will enhance child protection practices in their areas.
