Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
843. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will support the establishment of an independent Child Death Review mechanism; if she accepts that the absence of such a mechanism has contributed to the difficulties now faced by a person (details supplied). [14520/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe death of a child, whether at home, in care, known to state services or in aftercare, is a tragic event that deeply affects family, friends, carers and staff connected to the child and local communities. When tragic events occur, Tusla works with the families and provides emotional or psychological supports from internal or external sources as appropriate. Legal supports may also be provided through the Legal Aid Board, and Tusla continues its engagement with families, providing financial or other supports.
In circumstances where families are affected by the death or another serious incident involving a child known to or in the care of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, such cases are notified to the National Review Panel (NRP). This is a standard process, as set out in the operational guidance, published by the then Department of Children in August 2021.
The NRP is independent in the performance of its functions, making findings of fact and producing reports that are objective and independent of Tusla. The NRP produces reports that are factually based and identify points of learning to improve services provided to children and families.
Since its establishment the NRP has played a critical role in identifying systemic issues, obstacles to good practice, and areas for learning to improve services. It is my intention to strengthen the work of the NRP, by providing a legislative basis for the NRP to conduct its work. This will ensure that the NRP can readily access the information it needs to undertake reviews, and ensure that it has a strong governance basis upon which to operate.
I welcomed the publication, in April last year, of the Ombudsman for Children’s report entitled Child Death Review: The Case for a National Statutory Review Mechanism for the Deaths of Children in Ireland.
I am conscious however that the data outlined in the report highlights that deaths of children in care are a small subset of the overall number of child deaths occurring in the State. Engagement with colleagues across Government to identify the most appropriate lead organisation continues.
