Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I discussed the role of HIQA with Senator Leyden on Committee Stage and how the authority has already moved in and is dealing with issues relating to child protection. That is very welcome. I made the related order last year. The authority has already published several reports. The Health Information and Quality Authority is an independent organisation with the legal powers, under the Health Act, and the responsibility to monitor and inspect several services provided by the HSE to children and young people in Ireland. It does not have a role in respect of individual complaints. It tends to deal with the corporate issues and makes decisions on those.

What we have is appropriate. I have no doubt that at some point in future the role of HIQA will be extended, perhaps to inspect other specific services not currently provided. However, any such change would come under legislation for which the Minister for Health has responsibility and that is the appropriate place to deal with it.