AQW 42779/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health whether he has engaged with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority in relation to reviewing Children's Court Services, in the last 12 months.

Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 19 March 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
19 March 2026
Answer due by
3 April 2026
Answered
13 April 202625 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

I wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the Regulation and Inspection Authority (RQIA) on 15th January 2026 to request that RQIA undertakes an urgent review across the five Health and Social Care Trusts Children’s Court Services of practice in private law cases before the Family Courts. The review will consider cases where domestic abuse has been alleged or established and social services have had involvement in that context, specifically with regard to child contact issues and related child safeguarding issues. RQIA is currently finalising its terms of reference to undertake that review.

Official sources