Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I outlined to the House, paediatric home care packages are clinical care nursing packages designed for children with complex medical conditions who have significant healthcare needs and are not intended as respite care support. The nursing staff cannot assume responsibility for a child where the parents may not be available. A designated and competent person is required to be available to act in loco parentisin the event that there is a medical emergency. Nonetheless, the HSE and the Government are cognisant of the concerns raised about the matter. Of course, we wish to provide as much support as possible for children and their families. The national quality assurance initiative process for paediatric home care packages commenced in 2017 and recently completed. As part of the process, a suite of documents have been developed that set out standardised protocols and care plans. As I said, they are expected to be published in the third quarter of the year. The documentation includes the development of new guidelines for dealing with children with complex healthcare needs, carer's break approval and risk minimisation. The guidelines reflect the outcome of extensive consultations with clinical experts and parents. I hope the House will join me in welcoming the implementation of the new procedures which will enhance the quality of care provided and improve the supports for parents in caring for their children with complex healthcare needs.