Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree that consistency is a key element of performance, transparency and accountability. There is no question about that. What I would debate is whether it needs a separate expression in the legislation and what precisely the meaning of that expression could give rise to in the legislation. In later sections the legislation places a responsibility on the agency to demonstrate to the Minister's satisfaction high standards of performance, transparency and accountability in terms of service provision. A very strong performance framework is set out in the legislation which provides a strong basis for monitoring and evaluating all of the work, whether it is service delivery, issues relating to consistency of service provision which is necessary at a national and regional level. We also have the development of a very comprehensive set of performance indicators to be reported on in a consistent manner from the agency. Mr. Gordon Jeyes has already started that process.

In regard to the points made earlier by Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin about Rath na nÓg the key factor there was that decisions had be made in terms of weighing up the risk to the particular children. At all times the best interests of those children were considered by the staff in determining the care and the decisions that had to be taken at any given time. I would have confidence in the role the CEO of the Child and Family Agency played in those decisions. Certainly it was a question of weighing up various risks in a unit that was originally built as a secure unit.

On the point about consistency, clearly if this were put into legislation, consistency in terms of the volume of location of services at any one time may run counter to important local variations in need. We would not want to get into a situation where that local variation, which is so important, becomes a problem. When making a decision about a particular circumstance, or particular child or a family, obviously varying approaches will be necessary and appropriate. Consistency in outcomes is obviously to be striven for but inevitably success may look different for different children in families. I will not accept the amendment. The issue will be dealt with in terms of the ongoing governance and performance indicators which the agency is under an obligation to report on a consistent basis.