Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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433. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to a significant time difference between when HIQA reports (details supplied) are shared with their service providers and when they are shared with their service users; if he is satisfied with such delays; if it is possible that all relevant stakeholders of such facilities will be informed of HIQA recommendations at the same time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27797/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Thank you Deputy for your question. This Department monitors inspections carried out by HIQA in relation to Child Protection Services, Foster Care Services, Special Care and Tusla run Children's Residential Centres.When HIQA carries out an inspection Tusla are informed of the findings by way of an inspection report. The service provider will need to develop an action plan to address areas for improvement of deficits (if any). Copies of inspection reports, and action plans, are published on HIQA’s website. In cases where reports are not published to protect a resident’s privacy, residents and service users are still entitled to have a copy of the report.It is appropriate that providers are given time to develop an action plan in response to an inspection and prior to publication of the report. This also allows the inspecting body to follow up as necessary prior to publishing a report.In addition service users wishing to express concerns or issues have access to complaints/feedback procedures in the centres as well as access to Tusla complaints procedures and an assigned social worker that they can share their issues with.

Upon publication the inspection report will still detail any non-compliance with relevant standards and the actions planned or already taken to address areas of concern. I wish to advise that the answer provided is based on my Department's experience with HIQA reports. The recent cyber attack has had an impact on Department of Health systems and has impaired their functionality.