James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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702. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the relationship between the National Standards for Foster Care 2003 and the draft national standards for children's social services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21538/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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HIQA are proposing to have one overarching set of standards to replace the individual standards for children's social services that are currently in place.  These 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 over the past 18 years. It is important that all standards are kept under review and that they remain fit for purpose. It is also vital that key stakeholders, like foster carers, have confidence in standards while they are in use. My Department values the contribution of foster carers highly, and their views on the proposed draft standards have been noted.

Following completion of the 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, Integration and Youth. The Standards must be accepted and approved by both Ministers before being implemented.