Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to an article (details supplied) which revealed that Health Service Executive's Dublin North-East region received 33 complaints of physical or sexual abuse of children in foster care between 2006 and 2008; if she has been informed by the HSE of the number of such complaints received from children in foster care for each of the years 2005 to 2008 inclusive; if she will state to whom such allegations can be communicated by a child in foster care; and the action taken when such an allegation is made. [20000/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I have read and noted the contents of the newspaper report referred to by the Deputy.

The provision of foster care is central to child welfare and protection. In the course of an inspection last year, HIQA identified serious issues in the HSE Local Health Offices of Dublin North West and Dublin North Central. Key concerns included gaps in the assessment of foster carers, a lack of contact between social workers and foster care children & their families, and weaknesses in the management of records. HIQA brought their concerns to the attention of the HSE. The HSE developed an action plan to address any weaknesses identified and is in ongoing contact with HIQA in terms of addressing any deficits identified.

I met with the HSE to discuss the issues identified by HIQA arising from the inspections. I emphasised to the HSE the importance of ensuring that comprehensive plans are in place as a priority to address any weaknesses identified in the provision of foster care services, and the need to ensure that these plans are fully delivered upon in the shortest possible timeframe. It is particularly important that the HSE take all necessary steps to deliver the approved increase of 200 social workers in the current year in order to ensure, at a minimum, that every child in care has access to an allocated social worker.

It is a positive development that inconsistencies in practice and identified problems are now being identified through the work of the HSE's own internal audit processes and through the inspection process of HIQA. The challenge facing the HSE is the need to ensure that all necessary measures are taken as a priority to address any weaknesses identified.

Any allegation of abuse of a child in the care of the State should be noted to the statutory authorities in accordance with Children First. In addition Section 10 of the National Standards for Foster Care sets out good practice in relation to dealing with issues of alleged abuse of children in foster care.