Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

An audit of other possible cases of chronic neglect in Roscommon has already commenced on foot of a recommendation in this report. It is being carried out by Ms Lynne Peyton, who is an independent child care consultant. Similar audits are to be commenced in two other local health areas, if they have not started already, before being undertaken in the rest of the country. As the Roscommon report has been in the possession of the HSE since July, it was able to start the Roscommon audit before now. In recognition of fact that the chain of command is an issue, the HSE has commissioned a report from PA Consulting. It is currently being prepared for implementation. There are concerns about the supervision of risk by social workers on the ground. Such concerns relate, for example, to how risk is monitored by team leaders, principal social workers and local health managers. I meet HSE officials on a monthly basis. I take as much care as I can to make sure all the reforms we are trying to effect are actually happening. I am satisfied that the appointment for the first time of an official with overall responsibility for children and families at national director level will ensure that child protection is a mainstream priority within the HSE. The official in question will report directly to the chief executive.

It is obvious that I am accountable in this regard. I do not agree with Deputy Flanagan that the Minister for Health and Children is abdicating responsibility in this respect. She has given me enormous support. I take responsibility for any Government failures in this area. The Minister, Deputy Harney, has never been found wanting in terms of offering me support. This is the only one of the six points the Deputy made at the outset with which I do not agree. We are going to do those things the Deputy mentioned.

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