Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
438. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to specify which Department or statutory body currently holds overall responsibility for the review of child deaths at national level; and if no single body holds such responsibility; the way in which accountability is assigned across Government. [33690/26]
View answer442. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether any formal interdepartmental or inter-agency governance framework exists governing the review of child deaths involving Tusla, An Garda Síochána, health services, and other relevant bodies; and if so, to provide details. [33694/26]
View answer443. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a clear timeline for the establishment of a national statutory child death review mechanism, as referenced in the Programme for Government; and to outline the key milestones for delivery. [33695/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 438, 442 and 443 together.
The death of a child, whether at home in the community, 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 where a child is known to the child protection system, 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.
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 (NRP). This is a standard process, as set out in the operational guidance, published by the then Department of Children in August 2021.
The NRP is independent in the performance of its functions, making findings of fact and producing reports that are objective and independent of Tusla. The NRP produces reports that are factually based and identify points of learning to improve services provided to children and families.
Since its establishment the NRP has played a critical role in identifying systemic issues, obstacles to good practice, and areas for learning to improve services.
The Minster intends to bring forward amendments via the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025, to place the National Review Panel on a statutory footing. This will further enhance the work of the National Review Panel, as well as strengthening its governance and independence.
The Minister welcomed the publication, in April 2025, of the Ombudsman for Children’s report entitled Child Death Review: The Case for a National Statutory Review Mechanism for the Deaths of Children in Ireland.
The data outlined in the report highlights that deaths of children in care are a small subset of the overall number of child deaths occurring in the State. There is no single body, at this time, which is responsible for the review of all child deaths at national level. Engagement with colleagues across Government to identify the most appropriate lead organisation continues.
In this context, it is not possible, at this time, to share a timeline, or specific measures relating to the establishment of a National Child Death Review Mechanism.
