Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's concern about the very significant reliance by Tusla on private services, both for private residential and foster services. I think there is a role for them, but it should be to deal with sudden spikes in demand rather than being a central element of provision. Over the years, the private sector has had to become too great an element of the central provision of Tusla services. I think that is something Tusla recognises. One of the things I have been able to do this year, with the extra €41 million that is being invested in Tusla, is ensure that €3 million of that goes to Tusla residential care for the enhancement of mainstream residential care provision. As I noted, that will include the hiring of 48 additional staff for mainstream residential care. That is an important enhanced investment in Tusla's own capacity to provide residential care placements.

As we know, Tusla also significantly relies on the community and voluntary sector for residential care placements. Some of the additional €6 million that is being provided under these Estimates to the community and voluntary sector, for which Tusla provides finance, will also no doubt support enhanced provision of residential care in the community and voluntary sector. We identified this as an issue and it is one we are seeking to address. However, it will not be solved in one budget. as I am sure the Deputy will understand. The enhancement of Tusla's own ability to provide residential care placements is very important. We are definitively investing in that in this year's budget.

There is a commitment in the programme for Government to develop in-house therapeutic services. I visited the Dublin north central therapeutic hub before Christmas. I met with the team there, both in its headquarters and its community building on Manor Street. I saw the benefit of such intensive supports for young people who have come to Tusla's attention. I am pleased we have been able to dedicate part of the €41 million to supporting that service. Some €700,000 is being provided under Tusla's business plan this year for the enhancement of therapeutic services for children in care. The pay element of that will cover the cost of hiring eight whole-time equivalent staff specifically in that area.

There are also a number of other mandates for Tusla under its business plan this year. The mapping of all existing Tusla and Tusla-commissioned therapeutic services has been revised into a great framework for therapeutic services for children. There is a requirement for a multidisciplinary assessment and care plan for children who require therapeutic services as well. To be able to provide a similar hub in all Tusla regions will require sustained investment but we are making a start on that. It is an enhancement of Tusla services, to which I am committed.