23T.—(1) Where the F186[Child and Family Agency] has received a notice in accordance with section 23P in respect of a private foster care arrangement, an authorised officer may at all reasonable times enter any premises (including a private dwelling) in which the child concerned is residing.

(2) A judge of the District Court may, if satisfied on the sworn information of an authorised officer that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a private foster care arrangement has been arranged or undertaken and that the F186[Child and Family Agency] has not received the requisite notice, issue a warrant authorising an authorised officer, accompanied if necessary by other persons, to enter, if need by reasonable force, and inspect any premises (including a private dwelling) in which the child may be residing.

(3) An authorised officer, on entering any such premises, shall investigate the care and attention that the child is receiving and the condition of the premises with a view to ensuring that the person undertaking the arrangement is complying with his or her duty to take all reasonable measures to safeguard the child’s health, safety and welfare.

(4) An authorised officer may request a member of the Garda Síochána to accompany him or her when carrying out an inspection.]