Mr. Gerry Hone:

We will give them as much support and information as we possibly can but the supports are limited. Tusla is limited by the lack of provision within the health services to respond well to this issue. We intervene and provide supports. PPSF staff and early intervention staff do a lot of work in this space with families around these particular issues and work voluntarily with them. I am not aware of a case in which children were taken into care for this reason. I am not saying it has not happened but I am not aware of any case in which it has happened. Every care plan Tusla puts before the court in terms of removing children is questioned thoroughly by the judge and by a guardian ad litem to make sure it is the right decision for that young person.

We are rightfully tested and challenged on any of our recommendations and that is the way it should be.