Ms Nuala Ward:

It can be quite quick. Sometimes there can be delays where we seek information from a public body. If it is a particularly complex case, we may ourselves seek legal advice which can also delay things. As much as possible, we have tried to introduce an early resolution model. One of the cases here relates to Tom, a young person with intellectual disabilities in hospital. We were very concerned at the distress he was experiencing because he did not have a residential placement. We move very quickly to resolve complaints like that as quickly as possible in the best interests of the child. We are aware that time moves differently for children and that adverse effects can be severe, which is why we do our very best to resolve matters as quickly as we can. Not every case is as straightforward as we would wish it to be, however.