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

Senior management in Tusla is working to improve foster care in the region. As I already indicated, HIQA has expressed satisfaction with the action plan that has been put in place in the area to address the shortcomings identified in the HIQA report. I take note of and acknowledge the Deputy's statement about the inspection and uncovering of the issues. That is why HIQA is there and inspections are carried out. We have Tusla's response in quickly identifying what it needs to do and put in place in order to bring about the changes. My officials have also engaged with Tusla about the specific matters raised in the HIQA report on this area and are monitoring actions and improvements closely. I look forward to seeing the outcome of the implementation of that plan and, as I have indicated, Tusla has put in place additional ways to bring about change in that area and others in order that standards can be raised more quickly, as we all wish to see.

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