Just six staff to inspect all foster services

THE independent watchdog tasked with inspecting services for more than 5,000 children in care has just half a dozen inspectors and no enforcement powers to prosecute those who breach the law.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has responsibility for inspecting 80 residential childcare centres, four detention schools and all foster care services – but it cannot apply any sanctions because this aspect of its work is not on a statutory footing.

Yesterday a spokesperson for HIQA said: “Our role is purely to report to the Minister (for Children). We have oversight of the Health Service Executive’s services for children in care, but no empowerment.”