Family Law Cases

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Questions (676)

Robert O'Donoghue

Question:

676. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to address concerns regarding the use of private, unregulated supervised-access providers in family law proceedings (details supplied); the oversight, safeguarding requirements, Garda vetting, child protection training and professional qualification requirements that apply to private providers appointed or relied upon to supervise contact between children and parents; and the mechanisms that are in place to ensure that reports prepared by such providers for the Family Court are independent, professionally appropriate and subject to adequate quality assurance. [68179/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

In relation to the supervised access provider the deputy refers to, Tusla has advised that it has not used its services since 2024 and has blocked its use by Tusla as a provider.

In a small number of cases, Tusla uses external providers, such as supervision/access centres, often upon direction of the courts. These services are used typically when a child is in the care of Tusla.

With regard to the commissioning of these services, a process exists, as for all external, third-party providers, to register with Tusla. This involves a governance process, including confirmation of qualifications, garda vetting, mandatory training and membership of relevant bodies among other checks.

Regarding any reports prepared by such providers, these form only a part of the overall evidence produced for the courts. Where commissioned by Tusla, reports will be considered in the context of individual case management, and ultimately, by scrutiny in the courts, where they may be challenged by contradictory evidence, for example from social workers, guardians ad litem, psychologists, foster carers and parents.