Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. My main point concerned the Children First guidance standards. Section 56(13)(b) states that the Minister may prescribe requirements in respect of the provision of those services by service providers. Having looked at several such contracts, we seem to be obsessed with accounts, financial requirements and indicators, although I can understand why.

We sometimes forget to lay down the standards of the State. I ask that in laying down these standards we remind service providers that they must uphold standards and not only where they are in place by way of legislation.