Green Party Spokesperson for Children and Youth Affairs, Patrick Costello today commented on HIQA’s announcement of new inspection regime: “Whilst inspections and standards are good and welcome, they do not address deficits in resources which are damaging the protection of children. Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald must urgently combat these deficits if we are to provide satisfactory protection for our children.

“What is needed now is adequate staff for the many HSE services teams who remain understaffed and overburdened. Reports and inspections alone can't improve services; the hard work and commitment of frontline staff needs to be matched by the government support.

“There is a clear lack of community development and preventative services as has been recently highlighted in Dublin North-West. Despite three HIQA inspections, there are still difficulties.

“Success of the Children’s Referendum last year demonstrates widespread support for children’s rights and child protection. What is needed now is a clear commitment from Minister Fitzgerald to provide for community development and frontline services if we are to provide a safe and secure future for children.”