Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
395. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of child welfare and child protection cases closed by Tusla between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022, broken down by month and by Tusla administrative area. [68792/25]
View answer396. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children whose cases, having been closed between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022 that have since been subject to Tusla's wellbeing check; and the number of wellbeing checks completed to date. [68793/25]
View answer397. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of cases closed in the period 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2022 that have been reopened following a wellbeing check, broken down by reason for reopening. [68794/25]
View answer398. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children whose wellbeing check could not be completed because the child or family could not be contacted; and the procedure followed in cases where contact is not possible. [68795/25]
View answer399. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the methodology being used by Tusla to conduct wellbeing checks on children whose welfare or protection cases were closed between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022, including whether the check involves direct contact, school liaison, Garda information, or in-person assessment. [68796/25]
View answer400. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the projected completion date for Tusla's wellbeing checks on all child welfare and protection cases closed between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022. [68797/25]
View answer401. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children whose cases were closed between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022 who were categorised at the time as high-risk, medium-risk, or low-risk; and the number in each category who have now been subject to a wellbeing check. [68798/25]
View answer402. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of staff assigned by Tusla to conduct wellbeing checks on cases closed between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022; the total cost of this work to date; and the expected total cost upon completion. [68799/25]
View answer403. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of cases closed between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022 that resulted in new referrals to Tusla since the case was originally closed; and the reasons for those new referrals. [68800/25]
View answer404. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has conducted any internal review, audit, or risk analysis on the implications of 42,552 child welfare and protection cases being closed between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022, and if she will publish the findings. [68801/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 to 404, inclusive, together.
I have asked Tusla to carry out an independently chaired Wellbeing Check of child welfare cases that were closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and where there has been no further contact with the child since.
The purpose of the project is to establish that these children are currently accounted for, are known to a relevant state service or state funded service, and that the service is aware they should contact Tulsa if they have any further concerns. It will also proactively test and strengthen the current safety net the State provides for children’s welfare and protection, and to provide assurances about the welfare of vulnerable children.
The project is encompassing all children and young people aged 0-18 years that were open to Tusla Child Protection Services, and their case was closed during the period COVID Lockdown periods.
The Wellbeing Check is being overseen by an Independent Steering Group and is Chaired Ms. Tanya Ward, CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance.
I can confirm that Phase 1 of the project is underway and a number of steps have been taken to date :
• The membership of the Steering Group has been finalised and includes representatives from this Department and the Departments of Social Protection; Health; Education and Youth; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; along with representatives from the Health Service Executive; Central Statistics Office; Tusla, Barnardos and an independent social work expert.
• Engagement has taken place with other Government Departments to explore opportunities for appropriate data sharing use to establish where the children encompassed by this review are currently or recently known to a relevant State service or State funded service.
• A National Lead has been appointed.
• A Wellbeing Check Project Team Manager has also been appointed.
• A digital case management system is in place to support the work of the teams.
I have met with the Chair of the independent Steering Group on her appointment and met her again in advance of the commencement of Phase 2 of the project.
The Independent Steering Group held its first meeting on the 1st December last, and the methodology for the Wellbeing Checks and the Terms of Reference will be agreed very shortly. It has been agreed that the Steering Group will report into me every 2 months on its progress. The Steering Group is expected to complete its work in 2026. I will then consider the findings of the Steering Group’s final report and any recommendations that arise as a result.
I have secured additional funding in the Estimates for next year to assist Tusla with the implementation of the Wellbeing Checks. Funding of €3.2m is being allocated to cover the six-month period for the Wellbeing Checks, and this funding includes provision for the additional administrative supports required.
Department officials continue to engage with Tusla on the Wellbeing Check and its progress.
Tusla and this Department are central to protecting vulnerable children however, we must all strengthen the partnership across State agencies to ensure everyone is fully engaged and aware of the role they play is protecting children from harm.
Our collective focus must remain on supporting the work of An Garda Síochána’s investigations on the recent tragic cases, and identifying learnings to enhance the State’s services supporting vulnerable children and their families.
