Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have two questions, the first of which is related to a question I tabled about survivors of sexual abuse who fall outside the scope of the Children First guidelines. It is estimated that only approximately 20% of survivors of sexual abuse actually make contact with Tusla. They approach other agencies or organisations to try to get support because as members are aware, they are uncomfortable, afraid, embarrassed or ashamed to make an official report in this regard. What services or plan does the Minister have to meet the needs of people who are survivors of sexual abuse but who fall outside that or who do not make contact with Tusla, when it is known that only approximately 20% of survivors of sexual abuse actually make official contact through Tusla?

My second question pertains to a report commissioned by Tusla. I understand its purpose was to review the transition period as a new agency and the contract to review the working of the agency was awarded to Accenture at a cost of €123,000. I would have thought such a scoping exercise and that kind of planning would have happened beforehand. Why, if this agency is only just up and running, are reports already being commissioned, at a cost of €123,000, from a company I am not sure has experience on how a good model of social care can be developed? Perhaps I am wrong and I seek a response from the Minister. The Minister's written answer refers to operational and management structures. I had thought Tusla was about doing things differently. It is only in its infancy and already, with all the management structures, the reports, the foresight and whatever we have had, reports now are being commissioned for €123,000. I wish to ascertain what that is all about.