Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
493. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether any estimated costings or staffing models have been prepared for the establishment of a national statutory child death review mechanism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36122/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI intend to bring forward amendments via the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025, to place the National Review Panel on a statutory footing. This will further enhance the work of the National Review Panel, as well as strengthening its governance and independence.
Additionally, I welcomed the publication, in April 2025, 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.
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. There is no single body, at this time, which is responsible for the review of all child deaths at national level. Engagement with colleagues across Government to identify the most appropriate lead organisation continues.
In this context, it is not possible, at this time, to share a timeline, or specific measures relating to the establishment of a National Child Death Review Mechanism.
