Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
952. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether court approval or judicial oversight is sought when a child remains in a special emergency arrangement beyond an initial emergency period; and if not, the reason. [34374/26]
View answer953. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason HIQA does not inspect special emergency arrangements; and whether she will commit to extending independent inspection powers to these placements. [34375/26]
View answer957. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason oversight of special emergency arrangements is conducted entirely within Tusla; and whether any independent or external oversight mechanism exists. [34379/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 952, 953 and 957 together.
Both 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, and I as Minister share a common aim to meet the needs of all children in mainstream alternative care placements, and to reduce Tusla's operation of Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs).
HIQA carries out announced and unannounced inspections of statutory Children’s Residential Centres. HIQA carries out these inspections against the identified Regulations and Standards. Tusla is the statutory regulator of Private and Voluntary Children’s Residential Centres, and is therefore responsible for the registration and inspection of these centres in accordance with the relevant regulations, standards, and the 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. Decisions regarding the granting of care orders are made by the Court.
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.
