Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
175. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will outline her Department’s plans to invest in more Tusla mainstream residential cares centres for children and young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13267/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children, Disability and Equality has resourced Tusla to maintain and expand its provision of services through significant additional funding across successive Budgets. In Budget 2026, an overall increase of €177 million was secured for Tusla, representing a 14% increase in Tusla’s budget over its 2025 allocation. This brings Tusla’s total funding to over €1.4 billion for 2026. This increase includes an additional €53 million for mainstream residential care. Tusla plans to invest a total of €286 million in expanding mainstream residential care in 2026, increasing the number of placements for children in need to over 800.
The Department will continue to prioritise residential care in the National Development Plan 2026-2030. In 2026, Tusla will be provided with a capital allocation of €35m. The allocation represents a considerable capital investment in Tusla. This will allow Tusla to significantly increase the purchase of premises for both residential and step-down care. Increased capital investment in Tusla’s own facilities will facilitate a move away from reliance on private providers.
In accordance with the Programme for Government commitment, the Department has commenced the development of a National Policy Framework for Alternative Care. The Framework will articulate the State’s vision for alternative care, focus efforts to address existing challenges, and most importantly look to improve outcomes for children and their families. While the framework will not resolve all of the current or future challenges in Alternative Care, it will however address key issues in the care system, and provide a considered, cohesive and well-communicated vision and direction of travel for Alternative Care in Ireland.
