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

I am aware of the joint committee's recommendations. There are some details in the report, including those relating to the cost of Tusla's provision of private foster care, on which I hope to obtain more information before responding to the recommendations overall. I am happy to say some of that work with Tusla is in hand. It ties in with the recommendations of the committee. My officials will be writing to the CEO of Tusla to seek its formal response to the report which will be incorporated into my reply on the committee's recommendations which I hope to give as soon as possible.

The Deputy raised the issue of expanding the role of HIQA to include enforcement and regulation. My Department wrote to HIQA following its presentation to the joint committee about the issues raised. As the Deputy is aware, HIQA is largely involved with developing standards and inspecting services, but it has indicated that it would like to be given a role in regulation. I am open to having that discussion with Tusla. I want to hear its views on how any proposed change could improve the lives of children in foster care. I am also open to having discussions with HIQA on future revisions to foster care standards.

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