Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1912. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has considered the introduction of statutory maximum periods within which a permanency decision must be made for a child in State care, subject to exceptional judicial review; and if not, to outline the policy rationale for the absence of such limits. [74391/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla’s permanency planning in respect of children in the care of the State focuses on ensuring children have stable and secure environment to reside and live in
All children in the care of the state deserve a permanent home, and certainty about their future. There are a number of ways in which a child may enter the care of the State, including through a voluntary arrangement, pursuant to section 4 of the Child Care Act, 1991 [hereafter “the Act”], by way of an emergency care order pursuant to section 13 of the Act, through an interim care order pursuant to section 17 of the Act or through a full care order, pursuant to section 18 of the Act.
Additionally, 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.
Bringing a child into the care of the State and maintaining them there is a significant matter, which requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances of a child and their family. This consideration, whether by the Child and Family Agency or the Courts in relation to orders under the Act, must also have regard to the constitutional rights of all parties as they arise in each individual case. Within this context, the Minister is advancing proposals within the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025 to support permanency for children in alternative care. This includes proposals to impose a maximum duration on Interim Care Orders and amendments to clarify the criteria and purpose of Voluntary Care Arrangements, which will be subject to regular review.
