Ms Kate Duggan:

When I reference that I am speaking more widely than just about Tusla. Children get their three-year developmental check from the public health nurse. Children do not have to register in school until the age of six, so there is an issue between the ages of three and six. All of us, including the children first interdepartmental group and all of the State agencies, need to look at any risks that may be there and at how to ensure that children between those ages are engaged with a relevant State service. It is does not have to be Tusla. As part of our reform programme, we will now be capturing data for the first time on the children who are accessing our community and voluntary service agencies. Where children are referred to us and do not need a child protection response but we think they would benefit from a Barnardos service we fund within the community, we will now be capturing data on that for the first time.