Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegation and thank it for its presentations. It has been reported that there are 160 vacant posts and that Tusla is currently operating at 70% staffing levels. This morning we heard from the Minister that currently there are 82 people on maternity leave. Why are there so many vacant posts and what is the impact of the extra workload on staff already under so much strain? What action is Tusla taking to ensure it has adequate resources to fund the child and family agency? What is the likelihood of success with the new Meitheal project if it is not adequately resourced and how is it currently being progressed?

Will Mr. Jeyes comment on whether after-care has a ring-fenced budget and whether the resources available are adequate to ensure implementation of the national policy? I understand that supports that were available to care leavers in the past are currently being curtailed due to budget restrictions. A growing number of young people who leave State child services are becoming homeless when they reach 18 years of age. Nearly 40% live in circumstances which put them at risk. Will Mr. Jeyes please comment on that issue? Mr. Jeyes has already said that the allocation of social workers is an entitlement provided for under the Child Care Act.

It is reported that there are currently 9,000 cases awaiting initial social worker assessment. How long do people have to wait for assessment and what plans are being put in place to prepare for the unexpected rise in the number of referrals to Tusla when the Children First Bill is enacted?

Mr. Jeyes stated in his presentation that it is important to remember that children are not at risk because they are in the care of the State but are placed in the care of the State because they are at risk. How many, if any, children have since the foundation of Tusla reported abuse or maltreatment while in State care and how many children have gone missing from care while under its remit?

With regard to the posting of inspection reports on the Pobal website, it is often said that these are difficult to locate. Are there any plans to fund a new ICT system? My final question relates to direct provision. Mr. Jeyes stated in response to an earlier question that there are no dedicated child protection teams in this area. Has he had meetings on this issue with the Department of Justice and Equality? If not, does he plan to do so? Mr. Jeyes also said that direct provision was a matter for Government and the Dáil. Perhaps he would elaborate on how we can help.