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

On the issue of when the adult-child ratio I have identified will commence and whether services will have time to prepare for the transition - the first issue raised by the Deputy - services will be given until 18 August to become fully compliant with these specific requirements, irrespective of the date on which they register with Tusla. As stated, I have now signed the necessary regulations. Furthermore, public consultation is planned for this summer in advance of the development of a fuller set of regulations - The Deputy knows that we will be developing these. They will replace the initial regulations and will cover additional quality objectives.

The Deputy also raised the question of whether Tusla will be ready for this. My understanding is that it will be, and has been, preparing in that regard. Obviously it has taken a while to develop these regulations. Many people have been consulted. That is all part of the preparation.

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