Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the lack of directives to its social workers in the application of legal guardianship rights as afforded to fathers by law, in particular where an independent investigation into such practices has brought to light such repetitive behaviour in the Health Service Executive north-east region and where the last such investigation concluded on 25 December 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14838/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The management and operation of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004.

There have been previous representations to my office on this matter and I have made inquiries with the Health Service Executive in that regard. The report of the independent investigation, to which the Deputy refers, made significant recommendations for services, both locally in the north east and nationally. The recommendations for services locally are being implemented. Nationally, the Health Service Executive is reviewing policies and procedures. This review will be informed by the need to provide for and protect the welfare of children while having regard to the rights of parents-guardians and relevant legislative requirements.