Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
658. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an organisation (details supplied) is a registered charity; and if she is satisfied that this organisation is fit for purpose. [39522/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra664. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an organisation (details supplied) is a registered organisation with charitable status. [39564/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 658 and 664 together.
It is my understanding that this question relates to a new Children’s Residential Centre, about which concerns have been raised by the local community. The centre in question is operated by a private company, which has registered with Tusla in the appropriate manner. Like all such centres, it will undergo thorough assessments to ensure that it fulfils its purpose and function, that it has satisfactory management and staffing in place and that it provides appropriate care, safeguarding and planning for the young people in its care. The requirements for placing a child or young person in a Children’s Residential Centre and for the running of these centres are laid out in the Child Care (Placement of Children in Residential Care) Regulations 1995. All Children’s Residential Centres are subject to statutory inspection against National Standards. HIQA are currently in the process of revising these standards.
The Foundation in question does not operate any Children's Residential Centres and Tusla has no contract with it to do so. If the Deputies have a concern about the status of any charity, I suggest that they contact The Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA), Ireland's national statutory regulatory agency for charitable organisations.
