Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
316. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the outcome measures used at Departmental level to assess the effectiveness of privately delivered residential childcare placements funded by Tusla; whether such outcome measures are formally linked to funding allocations or contract renewals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27506/26]
View answerBoth 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 or private 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 measure outcomes or make funding allocations based on same, having regard to the fact that Tusla is independent in the performance of its functions. However, the DCDE does have regular engagement with Tusla at all levels to address issues related to the provision of services.
Tusla has procedures in place for the monitoring of service provision. Tusla’s Practice Assurance and Service Monitoring (PASM) team undertakes reviews of Tusla funded services. It conducts practice audits focusing on governance, risk management, and internal control systems. Where issues or concerns arise Tusla takes action to minimise risk.
I can advise that officials within this Department regularly engage with their counterparts in Tusla seeking to ensure the regulatory oversight of Tusla commissioned residential providers is of the required standard.
