Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action the Minister of State with responsibility for children has taken since meeting with persons (details supplied) on 6 October 2009 in respect of the tragic death of their nephew, having advised them that he would contact them within a period of three weeks; if she plans to order an independent inquiry into the manner in which the Health Service Executive dealt with this family as this inquiry is required as an issue of public importance to ensure that no other family is treated in a similar manner to this family; if she will make public the findings of such an independent inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7128/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the HSE has met with representatives from the family referred to by the Deputy on a number of occasions and agreed a process to deal with the issues raised by the family. The Deputy may be interested to know that as set out in the Ryan Report Implementation Plan HIQA is developing guidance for the HSE for the Review of Serious Incidents, including deaths of children in care. The HSE and the Irish Youth Justice Service are to develop a panel (internal and external) of appropriately skilled professionals to undertake those reviews. In addition HIQA may conduct an independent investigation of a serious incident or death.

The review in relation to the death of the young person referred to by the Deputy will be undertaken once this guidance is issued and the panel is established. The need for further action will be considered in the context of the findings of the review into the case of the young person referred to by the Deputy.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the steps he will take to address the failures in our child protection services disclosed in the Health Information and Quality Authority national children in care inspection report of 2008; the steps he will take to ensure that the Health Service Executive vets all foster carers and to ensure there is a care plan in place in respect of every child in foster care and allocated social worker. [7129/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the publication of HIQA's "Overview Report on 2008 Inspections and Findings for Children in Care Services". The Report provides, inter alia, an overview of findings from the inspection of services to children in care throughout 2008. It highlights strengths and deficits in these services. The findings are designed to effect continuous improvement in the quality and outcomes of services provided to children in care. The HSE has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. I am aware that the HSE is actively working to implement the recommendations set out in the report, including those relating to the vetting of foster carers and care planning generally. My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on these operational matters.

One of the recommendations of the HIQA Report relates to the placement of children age 12 and under in residential care. In 2009 my Office developed a 'National Policy in relation to the placement of children aged 12 years and under in the Care or Custody of the HSE' in response to HIQA's recommendation. The policy states that a child aged 12 years or under should not be placed in residential care except in exceptional circumstances. These exceptional circumstances are outlined in the policy document. This policy was notified to the HSE in October 2009 for implementation. The Government is committed to ensuring that all children in care are allocated a social worker and a care plan as set out in the Implementation Plan following the Ryan Report.