Dr. Karen McAuley:

Ws we highlighted in our report, the key issue for us is statutory independent inspection. One can look at different mechanisms. As others have highlighted, we do not suggest that a new body should be established. There are risks associated with that not only in respect of costs but institutionalising our thinking on all of this further. As others said, and as the Ombudsman for Children has said, HIQA may be an obvious candidate for such work given its standing and experience. The authority has extensive experience of inspecting different types of accommodation for children, which are there for different purposes, and of engaging with children in the context of conducting independent statutory inspections. HIQA is a clear and obvious candidate for that work. We are concerned that there is no plan right now to move towards a model of independent statutory inspection and ensuring oversight and accountability.