Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 264: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the decision of the Health Service Executive, north-eastern area, to take into permanent care a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10682/05]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for services for the welfare and protection of children.

While it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an individual case, I would like to state that under the Child Care Act 1991 as amended by the Health Act 2004 the Health Service Executive has a duty to act in relation to any child who requires care or protection. The national standards for foster care also require that the executive must put the interests of children in foster care before any other consideration.