Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
35. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in State care or known to child protection services who died as a result of suspected foul play, homicide, murder and manslaughter in each of the past 15 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71660/25]
View answerTusla has informed me, that that between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2024, there have been no deaths of children in its fostering or residential placements by homicide. During the same period there have been 10 deaths of children or young people known to Tusla, whether that be family support, educational support or child protection and welfare services, who have died by homicide. Tusla has further advised that for the years 2010 -2013 the cause of death was not captured by the classification system employed at the time. It should be noted however that cause of death is presumptive on notification of the death by Tusla to the National Review Panel, and may be verified at a later date as a result of a coroner’s verdict.
The death of a child, whether at home, in care, known to state services or in aftercare, is a tragic event that deeply affects family, friends, carers and staff connected to the child and local communities.
When tragic events occur, Tusla works with the families and provides emotional or psychological supports from internal or external sources as appropriate. Legal supports may also be provided through the Legal Aid Board, and Tusla continues its engagement with families, providing financial or other supports.
In circumstances where families are affected by the death or another serious incident involving a child known to or in the care of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, such cases are notified to the National Review Panel.
I recently confirmed that it is my intention that the National Review Panel will be placed on a statutory footing via the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025. This will further enhance the work of the Panel, as well as strengthening its independence and its ability to compel information and witnesses in respect of all reviews that it undertakes.
The placement of children in care is governed by statutory provisions and Regulations under the Child Care Act 1991, providing for the safety and welfare of children to ensure that they are well looked after. The Regulations also provide that the allocation of a social worker who oversees the implementation of the child's care plan, visits the child and consults with family members, foster carers and other people involved in the child’s life. This is to ensure that his or her needs are being met and that the care being provided is optimal.
Tusla is committed to promoting safe practice in all areas of alternative care, including residential care and foster care. Safe practice requires implementation of appropriate safeguarding measures necessary for working with young people in the care system, in a manner that acknowledges their need to live in as normal an environment as possible. All children have the right to be cared for, fulfil their potential, and be protected from harm.
