Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
440. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether she accepts that data on re-referrals is not equivalent to data on reopened social work cases; and whether her Department intends to require Tusla to maintain a distinct dataset on formally reopened cases. [33692/26]
View answerTusla and the Department speak about a re–referral, they mean a referral on a child who was previously open to social work, but whose referral was closed within 12 months prior to receipt of new referral. As would be expected, re-referrals may or may not give rise to a case being reopened depending on the circumstances. As such the metrics for re-referrals are different to those for re-opened cases.
The Department regularly meets with Tusla to discuss metrics and will explore what work is already underway in this space with Tusla.
You will also be aware that last September, I requested Tusla to conduct a series of wellbeing checks for children whose cases were closed during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
The Tusla Wellbeing Project team began its work last October. I am pleased to say that the project is making progress, thanks to the dedication of the Chair and the Steering Group, staff and colleagues across Government.
