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

The term "high standards of performance" in respect of children's services clearly encapsulates a requirement to provide a consistent service. One other point that needs to be made is that it is clear, for example, in terms of the volume or location of services, that one must take account of local need and variations in need. One must ensure that responses are being provided. While we want consistency in the application of specific interventions, we must also allow for relevant and necessary assessment of specific circumstances. Clearly, there will be variation in the responses provided in terms of the precise services provided in any one area at a given time. We need to be careful that such variation is permitted under the legislation and that we do not provide precisely what must be provided in every geographic area. If one inserts the word "consistency" in the definition, it could be interpreted in a manner that would preclude the type of local intervention and specific assessment that is needed in a variety of areas. On the other hand, we also want consistency of approach in the provision of services.

The requirement regarding high standards of performance, transparency and accountability gives a clear direction to the agency about the standards that need to apply and the consistent services. While I use the word "consistent", it should be applied in the application and development of services. One has to allow for local variation and need.

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