Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
631. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 251 of 28 September 2017, when the examination is likely to be published in view of the possibility that the use of private foster providers of emergency care placements may be unlawful. [42373/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, in May I welcomed the publication of Dr. Geoffrey Shannon’s audit into the use of section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 by An Garda Síochána. The report was undertaken by Dr. Shannon on behalf of An Garda Síochána, and correspondingly, most of the recommendations made by Dr. Shannon relate to Garda practice and procedures.
In my previous reply to the Deputy on this matter, I mentioned that a number of recommendations were made by Dr. Shannon which merit further consideration by my Department, and my officials have examined such matters. Clarification has been sought from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, regarding the Agency’s procedures in relation to the use of private providers of emergency foster-care placements, and is awaited. When this clarification has been received, my Department, in conjunction with the Child and Family Agency, will consider what further action, if any, on this matter is required.
While my officials are currently awaiting the Agency’s response, based on the information currently available it would appear that there is no legal difficulty in placing children with a private not-for-profit provider where that child has been received into the care of the Child and Family Agency by way of an emergency placement under section 12 (4) of the Child Care Act 1991.
