Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There will certainly be political accountability. The Government has yet to make a decision on the exact model of governance for the agency. Obviously, that will form part of the legislation, which will be brought to the Dáil before December. The Deputy will be aware that the task force which examined the various forms of governance in operation among international child protection services was strongly of the view that the agency should have an independent board, especially in light of the nature of its child protection work. I have not made a decision on that yet. The agency will certainly be accountable to me as Minister. Of course there will be political accountability. The Deputy also asked about the starting budget. I hope the agency will start its work in a strong budgetary position. We are all familiar with the economic situation and the financial pressures that are faced by all services at present. Members will appreciate that there are big demands on these services. The HSE child and family budget and my Department's budget both increased last year. I hope the agency will start its work in a strong budgetary position. I will work to that end.

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