Child and Family Agency
Dail Éireann — 2025-11-12
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Norma Foley (FF), Kerry

The Deputy asked about my engagement with this. I have met with the chair of the independent steering group. It is important to say that this is independent of Tusla. It is important that the steering group be independent of Tusla. I have met with the chair and will do so again in advance of the commencement of phase 2 of the project. I have secured additional funding in the Estimates for next year to assist with the implementation of the check. Funding of €3.2 million has been secured and is being allocated to cover the period of the review, and this funding includes provision for the additional administrative supports required. I and my officials continue to engage with Tusla on the well-being check. As Minister, I am committed to making our child protection system as robust as it possibly can be. I am shortly bringing forward a Bill to update and modernise the Child Care Act, which provides the foundation for child protection and welfare services in the State. This will strengthen the child protection legal framework and increase the powers available to Tusla. I also intend to bring forward amendments via the child care 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 independence and its ability to compel information and witnesses in respect of all reviews that it undertakes. While the recent tragic events are distressing for all - there is absolutely no doubt about that, particularly for all those who know and love the children involved - they serve as a reminder that safeguarding children is a collective duty across all State bodies.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-11-12/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-21T01:01:05+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-11-12