Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I can only agree with most of the Deputy's points. What happened is unacceptable, as is the standard of management in the unit. However, the report found evidence of good relationships and warmth between the staff and children. The children told inspectors that their being placed in the unit was of benefit to them. They stated they had built positive relationships with individual members of the staff team. While we should not lose sight of that, we should certainly not underestimate in any way the seriousness of what has happened and the need to address it.

I have a lot of detail on the actions that are being taken to improve circumstances, including allowing for more immediate access to a psychologist for the children; very detailed management actions; new management in the centre; much more national oversight; the assignment of a senior manager to undertake the role of quality improvement and an implementation manager; reducing the number of young people being placed in the centre; and an independent review to investigate the incident with the keys and the absconding of the young people. Very detailed oversight is sought at present, which is absolutely correct.

If it helps the Deputy regarding the implementation plan, I will send him a detailed note on what is happening. When I receive the report from HIQA in January, I will be very happy to share it with the Deputies.

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