Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will emphasise a few points that were made in the previous reply and then I will come to the protocol. HIQA has never found an instance where child protection services, when required, were not immediately available. Tusla does not discriminate on any grounds, disability or otherwise, and all child protection concerns are assessed in line with Children First. Children have diverse needs which are addressed accordingly and the children in the care of Tusla receive disability services from the HSE, where appropriate.

I referred to the new joint protocol, an amended one, which specifically focuses on disability. It has been agreed in principle. I will outline some aspects of that in a moment. Formal sign-off is expected shortly. Tusla advises that the protocol, the exact wording of which is being finalised, provides a clear escalation process should an issue arise or if there is an unresolved matter around access to appropriate and available resources.

In terms of the protocol, the objectives have been to clarify and set out the respective roles, duties and legal requirements of the HSE and the Child and Family Agency in relation to children and young people with a disability or with a mental health issue, and to develop pathways for increased understanding and co-operation between the HSE and the Child and Family Agency. Collaboration and close co-operation are needed between both agencies in order to ensure a consistent approach for the care of children, in particular those with disabilities.

In terms of the most recent agreements, I have already indicated some aspects of them to Deputy Ó Laoghaire. In addition, the HSE will define the lifelong placement agreement as adult placements, making the distinction with the Child and Family Agency fostering placements as well.

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