Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1244. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the draft national standards for children's social services once approved will replace the existing National Standards for Foster Care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19922/21]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1251. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the draft national standards for children’s social services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20108/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1244 and 1251 together.

HIQA are developing Draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services to include foster care, residential care, special care and child protection and welfare services. The draft national standards are underpinned by four principles of human rights, safety and wellbeing, responsiveness and accountability.

The current National Standards for Foster Care have been in place since 2003 and have provided clear guidance to foster carers, social workers and inspectors. It is important that all standards are kept under review, to ensure that they remain fit for purpose.

HIQA is currently holding a six week public consultation to inform of the development of new Draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services. The standards set out what outcomes a child should expect and what a service needs to do to achieve these outcomes. HIQA's consultation through online questionnaire to collect feedback () or views via email to standards@hiqa.ie will conclude on 21 April. Submissions will be collated and used to help inform the development of the draft national standards.

Stakeholders must have confidence in standards in order to deliver quality services to children and families.

Following completion of the consultation and drafting process HIQA will present the Draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services for consideration and approval by the Minister for Health in consultation with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth. The Standards must be accepted and approved before being implemented.