Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
424. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 1546 of 9 June 2026, which did not provide the information sought, the number of children who remained in a special emergency arrangement for periods exceeding three, six, and 12 months respectively, in each of the years 2022 to 2025; and if the data is not held in that form, to state same explicitly. [50654/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra425. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children currently in a special emergency arrangement for longer than the 45-day maximum provided for in State policy; the longest single current duration; and in each such case whether the placement has been registered as a children's residential centre, has ceased operating, or has been designated to operate under Section 59(a) of the Child Care Act 1991. [50655/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra426. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in respect of special emergency arrangements operating under Section 59(a) of the Child Care Act 1991, the number currently so designated; whether the Health Information and Quality Authority has been notified of each; and the number inspected by the Authority in 2025 and to date in 2026. [50656/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra441. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 841 of 19 May 2026, the average duration of a special emergency arrangement placement for mainstream children in each year since 2022; and the number of such placements that were in unregistered settings. [50771/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 424, 425, 426 and 441 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for this question regarding Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs) for children in the care of the State.
While Tusla, supported by the Department, is working to reduce reliance on SEAs, the Agency is facing significant and ongoing challenges in sourcing appropriate placements for children in the care of the State. This is due to a number of factors, including difficulties in recruiting staff, the complexity of the presentation of some children, and the unprecedented increase in the number of Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) requiring Tusla services.
Both Tusla and the Department share a common aim to meet the needs of all children in mainstream alternative care placements, and to reduce Tusla's operation of SEAs.
