Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
434. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 497 of 28 May 2026, whether Tusla will commence collation of the number of children taken to safety under section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991, broken down by Tusla area; and whether her Department will engage with An Garda Síochána to ensure these removals are centrally recorded. [50665/26]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for this question regarding urgent removal to safety for children at risk in the community.
Urgent removals to safety under Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 are undertaken by An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, questions on operational matters relating to Section 12 may be more appropriate for the Minister for Justice. Tusla works closely with An Garda Síochána in relation to urgent removals under Section 12. Tusla is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions under Section 8(11) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality does not issue directions in relation to operational decision-making, including data collection, under Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991. Such decisions are a matter for Tusla, in accordance with the provisions of the Child Care Act 1991, relevant case law, and Tusla’s own policies and professional practice guidance, including Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Tusla is engaged in a digital transformation and data management strategy. This strategy is delivering a joined up digital and data environment that provides modern, secure, integrated systems to support the delivery of all Tusla services and improve data insights and metric development.
