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

I see the intention behind the suggestion put forward by both Deputies, but that is not necessarily how the provision would be interpreted legally if included in the legislation. The Deputy used the word "performance". I believe the performance framework is where that issue should be addressed, because in that performance framework we will be talking about the need for consistency in regard to the work the agency is doing and the processes it uses. For example, we will want to see consistency in planning for children in care, the allocation of social workers and the appointment of social workers to children in care and those in foster care. The performance framework, which is dealt with in section 41, is where that issue will be dealt with, rather than including it in this section of the legislation.