Children in Care

Tuesday, 7 July 2026

Questions (674)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

674. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 704 of 30 June 2026, in which her Department confirmed that permanency planning data is recorded in individual care plans but is not collated or reported nationally by Tusla; the reason no national system exists to aggregate this data given its centrality to the welfare of children in care; whether the development of a national permanency data system is being considered as part of the National Policy Framework for Alternative Care; and the timeline for any such system being put in place. [51619/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I would like to thank the Deputy for this question regarding permanency and stability for children in the care of the State.

Tusla has developed a policy and operational document relating to permanency planning for children in care, the Pathways to Permanency Handbook. This document supports social work practitioners and decision makers in their aim to ensure stable and safe care placements for children.

I can further advise that officials within the Department are currently in the process of developing a National Policy Framework for Alternative Care. As part of this process matters relating to permanency are being considered. The framework will also consider how data relating to children in care can be more effectively utilised to support improved outcomes for these young people.

Detailed information in relation to permanency and placements for children in care is available through Tusla’s annual Review of Adequacy report, available on the Tusla website: www.tusla.ie/publications/review-of-adequacy-reports/. Tusla also publishes data through its Data Hub, available online at: www.data.tusla.ie/.