Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I thank the committee for making time available this evening to consider this Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The Department is responsible for the areas of disability policy, equality policy, child protection and welfare, prevention and early intervention, family supports, early learning and childcare, adoption and youth justice detention services, along with legacy issues in relation to mother and baby institutions. My priority is delivering and securing a positive impact for those whom we serve - children, disabled people and those who experience inequality and disadvantage in our country.

Our work is guided by the Department’s vision of a fair and inclusive Ireland where people’s rights are realised and where everyone is supported to reach their fullest potential. The Supplementary Estimate for the Department is sought principally due to cost pressures associated with the demand for services being provided by Tusla and the HSE from a disability services point of view. These cost pressures require an upward adjustment to the Department’s total Vote allocation for 2025. In summary, cost overruns of €329.6 million are forecast for this year. Savings of €115.9 million are also forecast across various subheads. Therefore, the overall value of the Supplementary Estimate is set at €213.7 million.

I will now turn to the various components of the Supplementary Estimate. In respect of Tusla, a supplementary requirement of €60 million is forecast. This comprises a forecast overspend of €38 million on the main Tusla subhead, A3, and a €22 million forecast overspend on the Tusla contingency subhead, A6. Tusla is dealing with very significant and increasing service demands in 2025. Tusla has 5,837 staff, including 708 social workers and 509 social care workers. These staff are currently dealing with 105,000 child welfare referrals this year, up from 96,000 last year.

Tusla’s overspend on its main subhead, A3, is largely driven by demand-led expenditure on private residential care placements for children. Tusla is experiencing a significant increase in the number of complex cases of children requiring placement in care. A large proportion of these children are engaging in types of behaviour that may be challenging for placement within foster care, which is the preferred form of care where possible.

Around 87% or more of children in care are looked after by foster carers. I take this opportunity to thank them for their invaluable role in providing a loving and caring home environment for the children in their care. However, there are cost pressures in the foster care area. Tusla is working to improve the supports for statutory foster carers. In budget 2026, Tusla has been allocated new funding to expand the foster carer peer support programme and foster care recruitment teams, bringing the total budget for foster care to €152 million. The foster care allowance was increased by 21% last year in order to support the recruitment and retention of foster carers. Additionally, this year, foster carers will receive a bonus payment at the start of each initial foster care placement. I was also pleased to announce additional mileage support for foster carers who have significant travel responsibilities.

There are cost pressures in the areas of guardian ad litem and special care, as well as administrative and other costs. The overspend is partially offset by a forecast underspend on pay due to slower than expected recruitment. In relation to the guardian ad litem service, I am pleased to inform the committee that I secured funding in budget 2026 for reforms in this area. Guardians ad litem play a vital role in gathering the views of children in care proceedings and making recommendations to the court on their best interests. The planned reform of this area will ensure that we have a responsive and accountable system for care proceedings and that the voices and rights of children are upheld at every stage.

The overspend on Tusla’s contingency subhead, A6, is driven by demand-led expenditure on private residential care placements for unaccompanied minors from Ukraine and separated children seeking international protection. In the area of specialist community-based disability services, there are also pressures being experienced at this time. This element of the Vote is being considered by the Select Committee on Disability Matters tomorrow.

The Department is forecasting a supplementary requirement in the specialist disability area of €267 million. This is driven by increased residential placements, direct pay and agency costs, respite, day services and home support and personal assistance hours, children services and other cost pressures, including costs in relation to section 38 and section 39 providers. I note to the committee that officials from my Department and the Department of public expenditure have been monitoring and continue to monitor the expenditure and allocation to the Department by way of regular meetings since the start of this year.

I recommend these Supplementary Estimates for the Children, Disability and Equality Vote - Vote 40. I am happy to address any questions the committee may have.