Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank everyone for coming in today, for their opening statement and for providing the annual report. I will ask my questions and then leave it to the witnesses to decide who should respond.

I will begin by acknowledging every staff member of Tusla. They have a very challenging job. I am sure it is extremely challenging at times, and I want to acknowledge that.

On the very large, 500%, increase in separated children seeking international protection, can the witnesses explain how that works. If someone goes to the International Protection Office and says they are a child, does the office deal with them there and then or do they go automatically to Tusla to ascertain, in the first instance, whether they are a child?

Second, I was very concerned to read the external report on special care. It reads almost as a cry for help in terms of other agencies, not Tusla. Reference was made to interagency co-operation, but this does not seem to be working in special care. I appreciate that there have been issues with staffing and that it is an extremely difficult environment to work in. Of that there is no doubt. It is good that staffing levels have improved and that there are better wages and so on. However, if additional special care beds were needed tomorrow, are there sufficient staff in place to cover those additional beds beyond the 16?

From reading the report, I felt there was almost an - and this is probably the wrong word - overuse of special care in circumstances where a child has addiction or mental health issues. Are there cases where special care is used but where the necessary supports are not there for the child if the case involves addiction or mental health issues? In light of the limited number of special care beds we have, I am just seeking to ensure that the children going into them will get the support and care they need. This would mean that there would then be a benefit for the child, which is the most important thing.

On Tusla's staffing levels, there will be changes, but are the staffing levels adequate for the six regions and 17 areas as matters stand? Tusla also funds the Irish Foster Care Association, IFCA, which does wonderful work. I presume it will seek additional funding. There has been a reduction in the number of foster carers. The IFCA operates at the coalface and has a good relationship with foster carers. It does a really good job and is trusted. The association deserves additional funding, if possible. It is needed now more than ever because of the challenges in bringing more foster carers on board and showing the benefits and positives of being a foster carer in Ireland today.