Family Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026

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Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Questions (240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

240. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the criteria used by Tusla's children's residential services national placement team to select a named provider for an individual child once that provider is on the approved panel; whether this selection is recorded, audited, or subject to an independent oversight; the number of residential placements made in 2025 where only one provider had an available vacancy at the time of placement, in tabular form. [49956/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

241. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total number of private residential childcare placements in 2025 and to date in 2026; where the cost exceeded the standard or indicative rate set by Tusla; and the aggregate additional cost approved in each year. [49957/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

242. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide the published rate card or methodology used by Tusla to set standard and indicative rates for private residential childcare placements, in tabular form. [49958/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

243. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the criteria, threshold, and documentation required before the national director of services and integration approves a placement cost above the standard rate; and whether such approval is subject to independent review or audit. [49959/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

244. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the absence of a published threshold or audit trail for above-rate approvals has been identified on a Tusla risk register or internal audit plan; and if not, to confirm this. [49960/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

245. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average and maximum length of time taken to approve an above-rate placement cost in 2025; and whether any child's placement was delayed pending this approval. [49961/26]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240, 241, 242, 243, 244 and 245 together.

Thank you Deputy, for your question.

Tusla gathers and collates a broad range of data and information that supports evidence based decisions serving the interests of vulnerable children and families.

I wish to advise that the precise metrics your are seeking are not available.

Question No. 241 answered with Question No. 240.

Question No. 242 answered with Question No. 240.

Question No. 243 answered with Question No. 240.

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