Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
821. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if Tulsa is currently fully funded to employ the full complement of social workers they have requested to deliver their services; if not, the additional cost of employing the full complement of social workers required across all Tusla services. [33433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you Deputy for your question.
You will appreciate that Tusla operates in a very challenging and demand led environment providing vital services to children, young people and families who often present with very complex needs.
The Department continues to support Tusla in the provision of the funding and resources needed to carry out its functions. It is committed to ensuring the continuity of Tusla's work in supporting vulnerable children and families as evidenced by the year on year increase in the funding provided to Tusla.
In Budget 2025 Tusla received funding of over €1.2 billion. I acknowledge that Tusla is experiencing increased demand across its services, such as foster care, residential care, special care, and services for separated children seeking international protection.
Budget 2026 saw Tusla receive further increased funding to continue providing vital child welfare and family support services bringing its funding over €1.4 billion.
This is a 14% increase on their 2025 Budget. This is the fourth consecutive year, that total Tusla funding will be over €1 billion.
This money will ensure that Tusla can continue to manage over 100,000 referrals annually, stepping in when needed to support tens of thousands of children and families around Ireland. Tusla will continue investment in providing safe, secure family environments to vulnerable children.
An example that this funding will provide includes an innovative “earn and learn” social work and social care work apprenticeship programmes and sponsorship. This will increase the number of social workers and social care workers in Tusla to over 3,200.
Tusla has frequently acknowledged that funding is not the chief obstacle in securing additional Social Workers. The important role of Social Workers is widely recognised and this profession is much sought after in all facets of society including medical, education and judicial settings. As the main recruiter of newly qualified Social Workers, Tusla has taken a lead role in increasing the numbers of qualified social workers and has instigated novel approaches.
In 2025 Tusla added an additional 53 Social Workers to its overall staff complement. This represents a 3% increase in the number of Social Workers. In addition Tusla's HR initiatives supporting very high rates of retention within the organisation.
It is a matter for Tusla to manage and allocate resources, including staff resourcing, to address areas of greatest need while staying within its budget.
The Department will, as always, strive to support Tusla and aid in development of novel approaches to increase the number of Social Workers within the Agency or through system and process improvements ensure the maximal amount of their time is spent providing care and interventions to children and families across the country.
