Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
999. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the review that was ordered in the wake of a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11682/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1000. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any engagement that she has had with Tusla in the months following a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11683/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1001. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the structural changes carried out within Tusla in the months following a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11684/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1002. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the actions she has taken in the months following a case (details supplied) to ensure that the failings identified in the childcare system are addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11685/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1003. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the meetings that she has held with Tusla specifically in relation to a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11686/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 999, 1000, 1001, 1002 and 1003 together.
I propose to take questions 11682/26 to 11686/26 together.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is a wholly independent body, under the aegis of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and is accountable to the Minister through its Board.
Officials in the Department and I have recently received a review of this case, which included initial learnings that will be examined and considered further. The Report is also being made available to the National Review Panel whose review is currently underway.
The National Review Panel has an independent Chair and operates with full independence, including its own legal advice, to ensure its findings are objective and factual. Time and space should be afforded to the National Review Panel to complete its important work, and when this work is concluded I will consider the findings accordingly.
In regards to ongoing engagement, I can assure the Deputy that both I and officials in the Department have open lines of communication with the Chairperson of Tusla, its Board, its CEO, its Management Board and the broader organisation.
In addition to regular scheduled meetings that promote mutual understanding of operations and support sound governance and performance oversight of Tusla, we arrange meetings and calls at short notice to address topical and important issues as they arise. I can confirm to the Deputy that I have met with the Tusla team in relation to the serious matter you have raised.
I continue to engage regularly with Tusla about a number of serious events that were widely reported and are of great concern both to myself and to the public. The key focus of these meetings and calls has been to understand Tusla’s position on these matters , to determine the steps needed in addressing them including the Department’s contribution and input.
Tusla is currently implementing a significant programme of structural reform through the Tusla Integrated Reform Programme (TIRP). Tusla Integrated Reform Programme is a significant change initiative which aims to improve the way in which Tusla delivers services to children and families and improve Tusla’s staff experience. Regions and Areas will be more equitable in size and will ensure that the totality of resources are targeted to where they most needed. The workforce will be multidisciplinary ensuring there is a diverse knowledge and skills base to respond to the multifaceted needs of children and families in Ireland today.
A central element of this reform is the transition from the existing 17 service areas to 30 Network Areas under the Local Integrated Service Delivery model. This restructuring is based on detailed analysis of population needs, deprivation levels and service demand, and aims to provide more consistent service access, improved governance, and enhanced multidisciplinary working across regions. This model also introduces a unified Front Door, offering a single point of access for early intervention, family support and child protection services.
Tusla funding has also increased by 14% to €1.37bn in 2026 – the fourth consecutive year above €1bn. Tusla’s capital budget has increased to €35 million in 2026, which is a 100% increase from €17.5 million in 2024, and work is progressing to advance residential care expansion as part of the next National Development Plan.
The current Programme for Government also includes a commitment to develop a national plan on alternative care, comprising both a short term action plan to address immediate challenges in accessing appropriate care places and a longer term vision for the future operation of the care system. Work is underway on the development of a National Policy Framework for Alternative Care to support this commitment.
I recognise the challenging work Tusla undertakes, particularly in the area of child protection and I will continue to work with the CEO and Tusla Board in further supporting and developing the Agency. The Department will continue to provide the support to Tusla that is necessary to address the current challenges impacting on this service.
