Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
461. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether she has, at any time since 2013, issued a general policy direction under section 8 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 in relation to evidential standards, proportionality assessment, or quality assurance in emergency child removal cases; and whether she is considering issuing such a direction [15827/26]
View answerSection 8 of the Child and Family Act sets out the functions Tusla is required to perform in supporting and promoting the development, welfare and protection of children, and support and encourage the effective functioning of families. Section 8 of the Act also provides that Tusla is independent in the performance of its functions.
General policy direction from the Minister is delivered to Tusla through the Performance Framework which covers a 3 year period as well as the Annual Performance Statement. These fundamentally important documents outline the Minister's priorities and expectations for Tusla across the areas outlined in Section 8 of the Act and including Child Protection and Welfare, Alternative Care, Family Support, Adoption, Educational Support Services, Counselling and Therapeutic Supports and Children’s Service Regulation. The Agency responds to children, families and communities across a continuum of response pathways, which are designed to promote consistent and integrated responses to ensure children, young people and families received the right response and the right service.
