Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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720. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has had engagements with an organisation (details supplied) regarding its concerns with the replacement of the National Standards for Foster Care 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22013/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department has regular meetings with the Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA)  on a range of issues. In recent months my officials have engaged with the Association regarding their concerns about HIQA's draft Standards for Children's Social Services.

HIQA's proposal is to replace the current standards for Foster Care (2003), Children's Residential Care Special Care and Tusla  Child Protection and Welfare Services with one overarching set of standard.  These standards are based on four principles of human rights; safety, 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. It also is essential that standards have the confidence of the sector, and in this instance, I am aware of the disquiet and concerns expressed by foster carers that the overarching standards are not suitable for family based care.

HIQA have an advisory committee on the development of the standards and my officials, and the IFCA are represented.

Following completion of a recent public consultation 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 myself as Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Standards must be accepted and approved by both Ministers before being implemented.