Children in Care
Dail Éireann — 2026-06-23
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Norma Foley (FF), Kerry

To reiterate, there has been a significant year-on-year increase in Tusla funding, with a 14% increase this year, or €177 million, in the context of its overall budget of €1.4 billion for 2026. That will provide Tusla with the opportunity to increase the overall provision of residential placements for children in need to more than 800. The Deputy will appreciate that as the 2027 budget process is ongoing, I cannot give a commitment at this stage in respect of future funding. She can be assured that we have seen increases for Tusla year on year.
Work is already under way on Ireland's first national policy framework for alternative care. That is really important and will be to the benefit of children in State care. The framework aims to articulate a whole-of-government vision for the future of alternative care in Ireland, thereby delivering on a programme for Government commitment in this area. We have had excellent engagement from the community and voluntary sector through the consultation process. It is really important that it have a say in shaping the future of the care system in Ireland, including the alternative care system. The framework will provide the basis for future investment in the care system. I acknowledge all the contributions that have been made to support that process in recent months.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-06-23/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:06+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-23