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

There is no question but that consistency is a key element of performance, transparency and accountability. The Bill states, "The Agency shall, in the performance of its functions, demonstrate high standards of performance, transparency and accountability". Clearly, having a high standard of performance would ensure a consistent approach; therefore, I do not believe a separate expression is required because a lack of consistency in the delivery of services would raise key performance questions. What is sought in the amendment is already encapsulated in the language used in the subsection. Obviously, I am committed to the concept of consistency in access to services for children and families. I do not disagree with the Deputies in respect of the fact that we should demand consistency in the delivery of services. A lack of consistency has been a problem across the services being delivered to children and families. We have been careful to outline in the legislation the key aspects of governance and management in order to ensure there will be a governance system in place and that the agency will be accountable to the Minister of the day and the Department. We have also clearly outlined the responsibilities of the staff and management of the agency in the context of the services they are obliged to deliver.

Provision is made in the legislation for strong governance and performance oversight, which is new. This is more modern oversight and represents a departure from what was done in previous legislation on the establishment of new agencies. Stronger demands will be placed on those running the agency to be accountable for the work they do, to report back on a regular basis and to ensure the agency meets the necessary standards in carrying out its functions. As the Deputies are aware, I have put in place a very competent board led by Ms Norah Gibbons to oversee the work of the agency. The combination of this strong legislation in the context of key demands it makes, the clarity it provides in respect of the agency's functions and the governance structures it imposes and the experience of the members of the board, particularly their background knowledge of the services delivered, will make a difference in the delivery of consistent services.

The main reason for putting the Child and Family Agency in place is to ensure the correct focus will be achieved. There will now be 17 managers instead of 36 and their key responsibility will be the development of child and family services in their areas. The Deputies will be aware of the story commonly told that in the past the issue of child and family services rarely made it onto the agenda of the relevant HSE board. The overriding focus of the new agency will be on the range of child and family services provided throughout the country and its key objective will be to ensure these are delivered in a consistent and effective way. It will also be charged with ensuring the children who are most in need will have access to such services. The combination of legislation, governance structures and clarity in respect of functions will ensure consistent services will be delivered. It is understood consistency is a key element of performance. It does not need to be spelled out in the legislation in the way the Deputy suggests.

See this speech in context