Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 27:

In page 48, line 31, after “Children” to insert “or the Health Information and Quality Authority”.

To ensure the attainment and maintenance of high standards throughout all services, Barnardo's has recommended that the remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority be extended to include all services offered by the HSE. At present, HIQA inspects many of the services to be delivered by the agency, including family support and services for children in care, but it does not inspect the work undertaken by the preschool inspectorate. The National Education Welfare Board and the psychological services have an independent watchdog. This change would instil public confidence and allow for regular scrutiny of standards and services. Furthermore, sanctions must be imposed for failure to implement HIQA recommendations.