Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The question I asked is whether a foster carer can pay privately for somebody who is in foster care where the family feel or know they need an assessment of needs.

We know the waiting lists are outrageously long for that assessment. If a family wants to pay privately for an assessment of need, I am told they cannot because they are not the guardian; Tusla is. Ms Murphy says it is possible if it is in agreement with Tusla, but what about the scenario in which Tusla does not agree that an assessment should be made?