Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
317. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department requires Tusla to assess the underlying cost structures, including profit margins, of private providers of residential childcare placements as part of value-for-money considerations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27507/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total additional Exchequer funding approved to support increases in rates paid to private providers of residential childcare and foster care placements in each of the years 2023 to 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27511/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra322. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has considered publishing summary value-for-money assessments or aggregated cost data relating to private childcare placements funded by Tusla, in the interest of transparency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27512/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 317, 321 and 322 together.
Thank you, Deputy, for your question.
As you are aware, Tusla was established as an independent agency under the aegis of this department, to promote the development, welfare, education and protection of children and young people, and to provide supports to vulnerable children and families.
As an independent agency under the provisions of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla is independent in the performance of its functions. In keeping with the provisions of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Department’s governance of Tusla is captured within an Oversight Agreement. Tusla procures services from external suppliers in compliance with relevant legislation and procurement rules to ensure value for money.
Tusla is committed to achieving value for money in procuring all goods and services. Tusla procures services from external suppliers in compliance with relevant EU legislation and government procurement rules prescribed by the Office of Government Procurement.
The Department has regular monitoring engagement with Tusla at all levels to address issues related to the provision of alternative care services.
Tusla is committed to being a transparent and accountable organisation, with performance monitoring and management arrangements in place to focus on driving operational performance improvements.
Tusla’s total budget allocation for 2023 – 2026 (including supplementary estimate funding) is outlined in the table below:
|
Child and Family Agency |
€bn |
Increase from prior year €bn |
Percentage % |
|
2023 |
1.020 |
|
|
|
2024 |
1.212 |
0.192 |
19% |
|
2025 |
1.344 |
0.132 |
11% |
|
2026 |
1.473 |
0.129 |
10% |
Tusla’s total budget allocation above includes indicative allocations for non-pay expenditure on residential care and foster care as follows:
|
|
2025 €m |
2026 €m |
% Year on Year increase |
|
Mainstream Residential Care |
258,416 |
286,116 |
11% |
|
Foster Care |
148,234 |
153,148 |
3% |
Tusla, as an independent body, requires the autonomy and flexibility to make decisions within the budget allocated in discharging its statutory responsibilities. Under the Child Care Act, Tusla must have the best interests of the child as its paramount consideration. It actively monitors every placement of every child in care to ensure its appropriateness to the needs of that child, and any concerns or breaches of standards or regulations are addressed in this context.
Tusla’s annual report and financial statements are published annually. The financial statements are independently audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG).
The disclosure notes to the financial statements detail the aggregate annual spend on private residential care and private foster care placements. The 2024 Annual Report includes an appendix detailing the total amount paid to each private provider under section 58 of the CFA Act.
In line with government legislation, Tusla also publishes details of all purchase orders exceeding €20,000 online on a quarterly basis, to ensure transparency and accountability in public spending.
The Department works proactively and constructively with Tusla in ensuring that there are appropriate, effective and proportionate governance and oversight arrangements in place that match the obligations of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, safeguard the needs of vulnerable children and families and secure value for money.
