Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026

Written Answers Nos. 657-680

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (657)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

657. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the national childcare scheme attendance and under attendance provisions are currently under review; whether greater flexibility is being considered for working families whose childcare needs remain unchanged but whose children may occasionally attend fewer hours due to family circumstances, extracurricular activities or parental leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68677/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help families with their early learning and childcare costs. The families of almost 247,000 children availed of National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidies in 2025 to help offset the costs of early learning and childcare. Up to 277,000 children are expected to avail of the Scheme this year.

The NCS is designed to be flexible, recognising that early learning and childcare needs are different for each family. Under the NCS, subsidies are awarded as an hourly rate, up to a maximum number of 45 hours a week for which the subsidy applies.

The hours-based nature of the NCS is designed to fit around the needs of families and ensure that the effectiveness of funding is maximised for all. The NCS enables families to agree the number of hours to be used with their service provider within overall scheme limits. The number of hours can be altered week to week so, for example the subsidy can be increased during a school midterm where a parent requires more hours of care.

The Department designed the NCS to also be flexible around children’s attendance, recognising that children’s attendance may vary from week to week. If a child is occasionally picked up early or misses an occasional day, this will not impact on a family’s subsidy.

This combination of flexibility and accountability provides an appropriate balance of supporting parents and providers while also ensuring the efficient use of Exchequer funding.

An independent evaluation of the NCS commenced in March 2026.  This evaluation will review how the Scheme has performed to date and identify any potential improvements that could be made to better support families.

As part of this evaluation, the NCS attendance rules will be examined. The findings of the evaluation will inform potential enhancements to the National Childcare Scheme to continue to support families with accessing early learning and childcare. The findings will also inform the delivery of Phase 2 of Shaping the Future, the new Early Years Action Plan, which will be published later this year.

Any future changes to the NCS arising from the findings of this evaluation will be informed by a thorough review of international literature and comprehensive stakeholder engagement.

Paternity Leave

Ceisteanna (658, 675)

Ryan O'Meara

Ceist:

658. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has plans to extend statutory paid paternity leave beyond the current entitlement; and if any review or consultation will take place in relation to same. [68675/26]

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

675. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to increase paternity paid leave from two weeks to eight weeks. [68449/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 658 and 675 together.

There have been significant developments in entitlements for parents of working families in recent years. The Government is committed to supporting workers, including by extending paid leave for parents to allow them to spend more time with their child during their earliest years.

The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 provides the relevant parent (other than the mother of the child) with 2 weeks paid Paternity Leave.  Ireland's statutory Paternity Leave arrangements are fully aligned with the requirements of the EU Work-Life Balance Directive, which introduced a minimum standard for Paternity Leave across EU Member States.  

Under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019, working parents are also entitled to nine weeks of paid Parent's Leave for each relevant parent, to be taken in the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. Parent's Leave is an individual separate entitlement and is non-transferable between parents.

Under the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019, an employee who is a relevant parent in respect of a child under the age 12 is entitled to 26 weeks’ unpaid Parental Leave for each child. Where a child has a disability or long-term illness, the entitlement can continue until the child is 16. A relevant parent is a parent, an adoptive parent, or a person acting in ‘loco parentis’. Both parents have an equal, separate entitlement to Parental Leave.

The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was enacted on 4 April 2023, and introduces important entitlements for workers, including leave for medical care purposes for parents of children under 12, and the right to request flexible working for parents and carers. It transposes the Work-Life Balance Directive which specifically prevents the transfer of paid leave between parents in the interests of gender equality and of encouraging fathers as well as mothers to take such leave. Otherwise, there is a risk that only mothers would take the leave, potentially creating labour market disadvantages for them and that fathers would not be encouraged to take a greater share of caring responsibilities.

A key priority in First 5, the whole of Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families (2019-2028) is to support parents to look after their babies at home for the whole of their first year given the benefits of parental care in that first year for children’s outcomes.

Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are effective and respond to the needs of families and are also mindful of the impact of the leaves on workplaces.

The Programme for Government - Securing Ireland's Future commits to examining the extension of Parent's Leave and Benefit and additional flexibilities. The new National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030 was published on 18th November 2025. The first Action Plan under the new Strategy was published on 5th August 2026 and includes actions to support working families in balancing the competing demands of family and work. Any initiatives in relation to Paternity Leave will be considered within this context.

Rights of the Child

Ceisteanna (659, 660)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

659. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the engagement her Department has had with the Office of the Attorney General regarding the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol of the UNCRC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68674/26]

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

660. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the timeline and process for her Department's commitment to ratifying the second optional protocol of the UNCRC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68672/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality (Deputy Norma Foley)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 659 and 660 together.

The Government is committed to ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and work is ongoing to ratify the Protocol as soon as possible.

In Irish treaty practice, the State must be in a position to meet all of the obligations it assumes under the terms of an international agreement from the moment it enters into force. Often it will not be possible for the State to meet these obligations without first taking steps required by domestic law, or otherwise, enabling it to do so. As work towards ratification of the protocol continues, the State is obliged to ensure that all legislative provisions are in place for it to meet these obligations.

The Department has received confirmation from the Attorney General’s Office that the suite of measures taken to ensure that Ireland is in a position to meet its obligations under the Protocol are sufficient to overcome barriers to ratification which had been previously identified.

The Department is now working with the Departments of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and of Foreign Affairs and Trade to prepare the necessary measures required on ratification.  Once this work is complete, Government approval will be sought to ratify the Protocol.  Ratification remains a priority for me and this Government, and officials are working across a number of Government departments to achieve this as soon as is possible.

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (661)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

661. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the NCS attendance and under-attendance are currently being reviewed (details supplied). [68698/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help families with their early learning and childcare costs. The families of almost 247,000 children availed of National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidies in 2025 to help offset the costs of early learning and childcare. Up to 277,000 children are expected to avail of the Scheme this year.

The NCS is designed to be flexible, recognising that early learning and childcare needs are different for each family. Under the NCS, subsidies are awarded as an hourly rate, up to a maximum number of 45 hours a week for which the subsidy applies.

The hours-based nature of the NCS is designed to fit around the needs of families and ensure that the effectiveness of funding is maximised for all. The NCS enables families to agree the number of hours to be used with their service provider within overall scheme limits. The number of hours can be altered week to week so, for example the subsidy can be increased during a school midterm where a parent requires more hours of care.

The Department designed the NCS to also be flexible around children’s attendance, recognising that children’s attendance may vary from week to week. If a child is occasionally picked up early or misses an occasional day, this will not impact on a family’s subsidy.

This combination of flexibility and accountability provides an appropriate balance of supporting parents and providers while also ensuring the efficient use of Exchequer funding.

An independent evaluation of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) commenced in March 2026. It is expected that the evaluation will conclude in Q3 2027. This evaluation aims to assess the performance of the NCS to date and its operation within the wider early learning and childcare funding and policy environment.

The evaluation will examine whether the NCS, as part of the wider funding model, is making high-quality early learning and childcare more accessible and affordable, particularly for families in the lowest income groups and the most disadvantaged households. It will also identify any improvements that could be made to enhance accessibility and affordability and to ensure that the NCS is working for as many families as possible.

The evaluation will include consultation and engagement with parents, educators, practitioners, providers and representative organisations. As part of this, the hours-based model will be reviewed. Any changes to the NCS will be carefully considered in light of the findings of this evaluation.

Child and Family Agency

Ceisteanna (662)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

662. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality If Tusla will consider seeking an interim care order or any other appropriate protective measures in respect of children (details supplied). [68661/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I wish to advise the Deputy that Tusla is required by law to be independent in its work as set out in Section 8(11) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. It would not be appropriate for the Department to interfere with the professional judgement of Tusla staff in relation to specific cases.

In addition, Court oversight of the granting of care orders under the Child Care Act 1991, including interim care orders, is a key aspect of upholding the rights of parents and families, and ensuring that children are taken into care only where it is found that they are unlikely to receive the care or protection they need unless a Court makes a care order in respect of that child.

As Minister, I have no role in the seeking or granting of interim care orders.

If you or your constituent has concerns about a child, they should contact Tusla directly: https://www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/duty-social-work-teams/

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (663, 664)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

663. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications for an assessment of need in county Cavan that are awaiting completion, in tabular form; the number therein that have exceeded the statutory timeframe for completion; the number that are overdue by less than three months, three to six months, six to twelve months, twelve to twenty-four months and more than twenty-four months, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68725/26]

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

664. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications for an assessment of need in county Monaghan that are awaiting completion, in tabular form; the number therein that have exceeded the statutory timeframe for completion; the number that are overdue by less than three months, three to six months, six to twelve months, twelve to twenty-four months and more than twenty-four months, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68726/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 663 and 664 together.

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 664 answered with Question No. 663.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (665, 666)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

665. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications for an assessment of need received in county Cavan in 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of assessments completed in each period; the average and longest waiting time for completion of an assessment of need in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68727/26]

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

666. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications for an assessment of need received in county Monaghan in 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of assessments completed in each period; the average and longest waiting time for completion of an assessment of need in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68728/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 665 and 666 together.

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 666 answered with Question No. 665.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (667)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

667. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in county Cavan who, having completed an assessment of need, are currently awaiting each service or intervention identified in their service statement, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology and physiotherapy, in tabular form; the number waiting less than six months, six to twelve months, twelve to twenty-four months and more than twenty-four months for each service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68729/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (668)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

668. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in county Monaghan who, having completed an assessment of need, are awaiting each service or intervention identified in their service statement, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology and physiotherapy, in tabular form; the number waiting less than six months, six to twelve months, twelve to twenty-four months and more than twenty-four months for each service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68730/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (669)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

669. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason a blanket one-maintenance of reduced ratio-per-room rule would prevent a service needs review from recommending a further reduced ratio where the evidence demonstrates it is the most appropriate support; and the way in which the Department has satisfied itself that this restriction will not adversely affect the safety, wellbeing and meaningful inclusion of children for whom reduced group size is the more appropriate support. [68741/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

The Access and Inclusion Model or AIM is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with a disability or additional needs can access the Early Childhood Care and Education or ECCE programme. The goal of AIM is to empower early learning and care providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE programme and reap the benefits of quality early learning and care in any mainstream service participating in ECCE.

With regard to the maintenance of reduced ratios, since only one is permitted within one room under the AIM Rules, a service needs review cannot recommend a further reduced ratio. Transitional arrangements are not permitted and it is not intended that a review of the maintenance of reduced ratio rule will be undertaken.

It is not considered that allowing more than one maintenance of reduced ratio within a room would best meet the needs of children with additionally complex or medically complex needs. Additional assistance is what is required to meet the needs of children with additionally complex or medically complex needs.

In addition, the reduction of available places impacts children seeking an ECCE place. If more than one maintenance of reduced ratio was permitted, then every time a ratio in a particular room was reduced it would decrease the number of available places by a further three places rather than adding extra adults to assist.

It should be noted that the AIM rules 2025/2026 which were published in November 2025 refer to maintaining a reduced ratio rather than multiple reduced ratios. The AIM Rules do not refer to more than one maintenance of reduced ratio within one room because it was understood that only one would be applied and it was therefore not considered necessary to state this. However, now that the question has arisen it has been decided to provide clarity in regard to this rule and this clarification was recently published on the Hive. The AIM Rules 2026/2027 now include this clarification and will be published shortly online.

Departmental Inquiries

Ceisteanna (670)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

670. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware of a case (details supplied); and will her officials investigate the case. [68737/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

Many families avail of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) as a way to reduce the cost of their early learning and childcare.

NCS subsidies can only be paid once an application is successfully completed, a Childcare Identifier Code Key (CHICK) has been registered with a childcare provider, and the parent has confirmed on the system that all details are correct. It is not possible to pay the NCS subsidy for a time period when the child was not properly registered with the NCS. This is a key financial and governance control to ensure we are maximising the benefits of public monies and that the investment is following the child.

The NCS offers significant value to family finances, and it is deeply regretted that your constituent experienced a gap in subsidy. If a parent believes that special circumstances have caused a gap in funding, they may initiate a review with the Scheme Administrator to backdate the claim. Further information on reviews, including a how-to, can be found on the ENCS website at www.ncs.gov.ie/en/.

Finally, I would note that the Department will soon commence an evaluation of the NCS. This will include consultation and engagement with parents, educators and representative organisations. This evaluation will examine how the NCS is performing currently and identify ways in which the NCS can better support families. As part of this evaluation, the NCS renewal process will be reviewed.

Library Projects

Ceisteanna (671)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

671. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether she will provide funding to allow the continuation of childhood development initiative's Dolly Parton imagination library, which provides free books to thousands of children every month. [68662/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

To date, the Department has concentrated on developing a close working relationship with Libraries Ireland to deliver national book gifting initiatives including the Little Library programme and Story Streets.

Each year, Little Library provides a free book bag for every child starting school that includes books on friendship and the transition to school and resources for parents. Every year to date, this has resulted in 20,000 children joining their local library. Also part of Little Library is the Little Book at Bedtime initiative where each local library offers a free bedtime story book to children under 4 years and a chance for the family to join the library giving them access to a lifetime of books. These initiatives are advertised through local early learning and childcare services, primary schools and community organisations.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality also funds the Story Streets programme which links Family Resource Centres with local libraries to offer families who might be reluctant readers the opportunity to come together and have supported reading for parents and children. This has proved very successful and feedback from families is very positive.

The Department's work with Libraries Ireland has resulted in over 3900 annual events aimed at young families and many of these are targeted at families experiencing disadvantage.

It will not be possible to provide funding for Childhood Development Initiative's Dolly Parton Imagination Library at this time.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (672)

Grace Boland

Ceist:

672. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider introducing multi annual funding arrangements for capital projects undertaken by disability service providers and disability organisations, in order to provide greater funding certainty and enable more effective planning and delivery of essential disability infrastructure. [68510/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I wish to direct the Deputy to the response below, issued to Parliamentary Question number 97, issued 17th September 2026

www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-09-17/97/#pq_97

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (673)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

673. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when a child (details supplied) will receive the promised therapy. [68673/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (674)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

674. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied) who has been referred to the East Limerick CDNT and has been advised that they will be waiting an additional year for an Assessment of Need. [68697/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 675 answered with Question No. 658.

Family Law Cases

Ceisteanna (676)

Robert O'Donoghue

Ceist:

676. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to address concerns regarding the use of private, unregulated supervised-access providers in family law proceedings (details supplied); the oversight, safeguarding requirements, Garda vetting, child protection training and professional qualification requirements that apply to private providers appointed or relied upon to supervise contact between children and parents; and the mechanisms that are in place to ensure that reports prepared by such providers for the Family Court are independent, professionally appropriate and subject to adequate quality assurance. [68179/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

In relation to the supervised access provider the deputy refers to, Tusla has advised that it has not used its services since 2024 and has blocked its use by Tusla as a provider.

In a small number of cases, Tusla uses external providers, such as supervision/access centres, often upon direction of the courts. These services are used typically when a child is in the care of Tusla.

With regard to the commissioning of these services, a process exists, as for all external, third-party providers, to register with Tusla. This involves a governance process, including confirmation of qualifications, garda vetting, mandatory training and membership of relevant bodies among other checks.

Regarding any reports prepared by such providers, these form only a part of the overall evidence produced for the courts. Where commissioned by Tusla, reports will be considered in the context of individual case management, and ultimately, by scrutiny in the courts, where they may be challenged by contradictory evidence, for example from social workers, guardians ad litem, psychologists, foster carers and parents.

Family Resource Centres

Ceisteanna (677)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

677. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being considered by her Department to support family resource centres in Budget 2027; if consideration is being given to increasing the minimum core funding available to family resource centres; to provide a dedicated capital funding stream; to increase investment in counselling and therapeutic supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68465/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I outlined in a response to the Deputy earlier this month that following on from core funding increases and the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2026, made possible through Budget 2026 funding, I will continue to pursue the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme through the budgetary process and in line with the Programme for Government commitment to work to increase funding and expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres. Improvements to core funding for Family Resource Centres will also remain under consideration.

I was very pleased that Budget 2026 measures allowed us to honour the Programme for Government commitment in respect of Family Resource Centres, enabling us to increase core funding and also to facilitate the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme to 136 members. These measures have benefitted communities currently served by a Family Resource Centre, along with a number of communities that have seen the establishment of a new centre.

In relation to the proposal for a dedicated capital funding stream, neither the Department nor Tusla currently have capital funding to support Family Resource Centre infrastructure proposals, including the building of new or refurbishment or extension of existing Family Resource Centres, or refurbishing vacant or derelict buildings. Tusla does not have a dedicated budget for capital or building works for third party organisations. Capital funding may be accessible through relevant local authority mechanisms, or Government schemes such as Rural Integrated Development schemes operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

I was however very pleased to announce earlier in September a €1.36 million once-off capital investment in Ireland’s network of 136 Family Resource Centres, with each FRC Programme member to receive €10,000 to support locally identified capital, premises, equipment, ICT and infrastructure priorities. This builds on the Government’s significant investment in the Family Resource Centre Programme.

On counselling and therapeutic supports, I want to acknowledge the range of supports that are offered through Family Resource Centres. Tusla continues to invest in counselling and therapeutic supports. It recognises that Family Resource Centres are able to reach clients who, in many cases, would not be able to access such services, which are delivered at low to no-cost to the recipients. These supports have a strong focus on early intervention, affordability, and a holistic approach to mental health and well-being for all ages. I was pleased that over the last number of years the Department secured additional funding for family support services counselling providers around the country, many of which were Family Resource Centres. I hope to see this investment continuing.

Child Protection

Ceisteanna (678)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

678. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 65157/26, 65158/26 and 65159/26 of 16 September 2026, which did not address the specific questions asked, whether Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 contains any provision concerning the sex of adults supervising children in changing, showering, toileting or sleeping arrangements; to state yes or no; and if not, whether the Minister will provide for the matter to be considered in the next revision of the guidance. [68765/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality (Deputy Norma Foley)

Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017) does not include any provision relating to the sex of adults supervising children.  As set out in my previous reply, statutory or legal safeguarding obligations apply to all providers of relevant services and their employees and volunteers, irrespective of the gender of those involved. Suitability to work with children is determined through appropriate recruitment, qualification, vetting and safeguarding requirements, rather than any single personal characteristic.

The Children First National Guidance is overarching guidance intended to support implementation of the Children First Act 2015 and non-statutory best practice in safeguarding across a diverse range of organisations and settings. The Children First Act 2015 requires organisations providing relevant services to undertake an assessment of potential risks to children while availing of their service and to set out the procedures in place to manage and mitigate those risks, to be reflected in their Child Safeguarding Statement. These procedures include matters such as the recruitment and selection of staff, provision of child protection training, reporting of child protection concerns, and the management of allegations against staff members. Providers of relevant services must identify the risks and put in place the policies and procedures that are  appropriate to their specific services, activities and operating environments, while ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015.

A number of sectors have developed safeguarding guidance relevant to the implementation of these obligations within their sector.  For example, the Child Safeguarding Resource Document: Child Safeguarding Statement, Policy and Procedures; Guidance for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services recognises that activities such as supervising children, supporting children during changing and intimate care routines, and undertaking one-to-one work can present safeguarding risks if not managed appropriately. The Resource Document also indicates the types of procedures that may be appropriate to reduce these risks and support safe practice, including procedures on Staff Supervision, Personal and Intimate Care, Garda Vetting, Staff Recruitment and Selection and Staff Codes of Behaviour.

The Department has begun scoping work on a review of the Children First National Guidance (2017). As this work is at a very early stage, I am not in a position to comment on any potential amendments that may be appropriate.

Child and Family Agency

Ceisteanna (679)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

679. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 64980/26 of 16 September 2026, which did not provide the yes or no requested, whether profit margin is assessed as a criterion in the award of private residential childcare contracts by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency; and to state yes or no. [68764/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality (Deputy Norma Foley)

Deputy, thank you for your question.

I refer you to my response of PQ 64978/26 which is set out below which outlies in detail the arrangements Tusla and the Department are required to follow in setting criteria for procuring private residential accommodation for children in care.

It would be inappropriate to deviate from the procurement arrangements set out.   

Public Procurement is governed by EU and National rules. The purpose of these rules is to deliver strategic, innovative, sustainable and transparent public procurement that supports SMEs, competition, and better services to the public.

The first National Public Procurement Strategy was published in August 2026.  The Strategy can be found at the following link: Procuring for Our Future: National Public Procurement Strategy 2026 - 2030 https://www.gov.ie/en/office-of-government-procurement/publications/procuring-for-our-future-national-public-procurement-strategy-2026-2030/.

It builds on the public procurement reform programme and align with Better Public Service Transformation 2030.  

While the Strategy seeks to harness the collective spending power of the State to generate positive economic, social and environmental outcomes, it does so within the context of sound expenditure management and value for money. It places a strong emphasis on disciplined, evidence-based procurement, ensuring that procurement decisions are justified, expenditure is effectively controlled and public funds deliver the best possible value for money.

The Department and Tusla is required to adhere to procurement rules as espoused in this strategy as these provide the greatest assurance for the management of a robust, competitive procurement process and best value for money. 

Where necessary, Tusla procures private providers to supply care to children in State care on their behalf.

As part of any procurement or contracting process for care services, Tusla seeks to ensure that the quality and safety of any services are to the fore to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children and young people. As part of the contracting and tendering process, value for money is also a major consideration to ensure the best use of public money in the provision of services on behalf of the State.  This extends to the criteria deployed in these tendering processes.

Private residential services that are engaged by Tusla’s Children’s Residential Services National Placement Team can only be awarded a contract following a successful application to an open procurement tender competition.  The Request for Tender document outlines in detail, all of the requirements that must be met, and also stipulates the funding allocated to each of the varying service categories. This competition is operated and overseen by Tusla Procurement in line with all procurement rules and EU Procurement legislation referred to above.

Child Protection

Ceisteanna (680)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

680. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 66233/26 of 17 September 2026, which did not identify any statutory provision, the specific statutory provision or regulation that governs the oversight, inspection and statutory visiting of children placed outside the State; and if no such specific provision exists, to confirm that plainly. [68763/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality (Deputy Norma Foley)

The Child Care Act 1991 is the statutory framework for child welfare and protection in Ireland. Tusla, in discharging its statutory responsibilities under the Child Care Acts 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.

The oversight and statutory visiting of children in placements outside the State is commensurate with arrangements within the State, as the statutory duty is placed on Tusla in both cases. The majority of children placed outside the state are placed in foster care. For the small number of other placements, all centres in which children are placed are subject to the regulatory and inspection framework of that jurisdiction.

• Written Answers Nos. 637-656
• Written Answers Nos. 681-700