Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This refers to additional guidelines, but I would like best practice to be established from the outset, which is the reason the amendment is raised where it is - in the section dealing with the functions of the agency. While I accept the Minister has endeavoured in some way to meet our concerns with her proposal, I do not accept that my concern is covered by the suggestion that this is something the Minister may or may not do. The section refers to the power of the Minister to issue guidelines to the agency, notwithstanding the guidance provided by the performance framework, and states that such guidance may relate to additional policy guidance or changes in policy in the prioritisation of business plan commitments.

I would have thought consistency would be a cornerstone of the agency's whole approach to its work, and not something the Minister or whoever may replace her in the future may or may not suggest - that it would be optional. I believe consistency is not an option or something that is at the Minister's behest, as it pleases the Minister of the day. I believe it is an absolute requirement of the new child and family agency. While Deputy Troy will explain his position, my view is that this is something we should expect as one of the first principles of performance by the new agency and board in overseeing the functions of the agency.

I believe that where we propose to present this in the Bill is the most appropriate place. We are talking about the performance of the agency’s functions and the need for it to demonstrate the highest standards of performance, transparency, accountability and consistency. What we want is the highest standards in all of these areas, in the interest of the children who will come under the agency’s interest and concern over time. I hope the Minister will do better than what she has just come back with.