Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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572. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to recommendation 5.3.2 of the Protecting Against Predators report by the Sexual Exploitation Research Programme, the details of any investigation and follow up action that has been undertaken by HIQA into the findings of the report; the details of any audit carried out by HIQA of residential care centres on foot of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19001/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established under the Health Act 2007. HIQA was established to drive high-quality and safe care for people using health and social care services in Ireland.

The functions of HIQA are set out in the 2007 Act, as amended. HIQA is independent in the performance of its functions, including in relation to the development of standards and monitoring compliance with those standards. The approval of standards is a function of the relevant Minister.

I am not aware of HIQA undertaking any specific investigation on foot of this report. However, HIQA has a broad inspection function of Tusla services against the Child Protection and Welfare Standards (2012). Standard 2.2 specifically references actions to be taken on foot of suspected child sexual abuse, including sharing information on any suspected case of sexual abuse with An Garda Síochána in order to protect the child and/or other children from significant harm.

Prior to the publication of the report, my Department and Tusla established a Working Group looking at institutional and organisational abuse. My Department has requested that the Group consider the report and make recommendations as required, after which I will consider any further steps as may be necessary.

I, my Department and the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) continue to take the issue of potential Child Sexual Exploitation very seriously and are committed to promoting safe and high quality practice in all areas of Alternative Care.