Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 October 2022
258. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Health Information and Quality Authority has a role in oversight of private foster care companies contracted to Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48776/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Act 2007 established the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services. HIQA, set up by the Department of Health and independent in its functions, was established to drive high-quality and safe care for people using health and social care services in Ireland.In relation to my Department, HIQA is authorised, under Section 69 of the Child Care Act 1991, as amended by Section 26 of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011, to inspect Tusla children's residential services, child protection and welfare services, and foster cares services, including private foster care services provided on behalf of Tusla. Compliance is assessed under the Health Act 2007 (as amended).HIQA plays a vital role in providing assurance regarding Tusla services, inclusive of private foster care companies contracted by Tusla. In the context of monitoring standards, HIQA may develop inspection protocols as tools to assist in the monitoring process. HIQA publishes inspection reports, including in relation to private foster care, which are reviewed by my Department as part of a general root cause analysis of services. It is important that, in conjunction with Tusla and other agencies, we identify what part policy, resources and local management contribute to the standard of services for vulnerable children and act on these findings. HIQA reports are an important and integral part of this process.All services for children in care are inspected regularly against the HIQA National Standards. The National Standards were developed to ensure the delivery of safe and effective service provision. When HIQA carries out an inspection Tusla are informed of the findings by way of an inspection report.
