Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
463. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department maintains a formal risk register entry relating to reliance on privately operated children’s residential centres; if so, the risk categorisation and mitigation measures identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15842/26]
View answerThank you Deputy for your question regarding to privately operated residential centres and risk registers.
The Department's operates robust Risk Management processes. Its Risk Committee meets regularly to consider how foreseeable events may impact on the achievement of its goals and objectives and whether there are appropriate plans in place to mitigate against the likelihood of these risks arising and/or their impact.
Amongst the priority areas set for Tusla is to increase the overall capacity in residential care and reduce its reliance on private provision.
As you will be aware, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and the Department are committed to promoting safe and high-quality practice in all areas of Alternative Care. This is achieved through the thorough application of regulations and standards that govern care placements on behalf of the State.
Tusla is the statutory regulator of both Private and Voluntary Children’s Residential Centres and is therefore responsible for the registration and inspection of these centres in accordance with Regulations, standards, and the relevant provisions of the Child Care Act 1991.
This Act is the statutory framework for child welfare and protection in Ireland. The legislation places a statutory duty on Tusla to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. It sets the legislative provisions in relation to taking children into care, and the responsibilities of the State in that regard, which aim to improve outcomes for looked after children.
Tusla, in discharging its statutory responsibilities under the Child Care Acts, must have the best interests of the child as its paramount consideration. It actively monitors every placement of every child in care to ensure its appropriateness to the needs of that child, and any concerns or breaches of standards or Regulations are addressed in this context.
The placement of children in Residential Care is governed by the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres 2018, and underpinned by the Child Care (Placement in Residential Care) Regulation 1995, and the Child Care (Standards in Children’s Residential Centres) 1996.
Regarding the provision of placements by external providers, Tusla procures these services in compliance with relevant legislation, procurement rules, and government Circulars in relation to grant funding. I can advise the Deputy that this Department does not directly monitor companies contracted by Tusla to provide placements for children in care. However, the Department does have regular engagement with Tusla at all levels to address issues related to the provision of services.
