Dr. Geoffrey Shannon:

It is a difficult and political question and I have always tried to stay out of the political domain. Where we get confidence in our child protection system is in audits of this nature and people willing to accept where there are gaps. We all make mistakes and we all can improve and we need to create a culture where we are receptive to change.

I am not avoiding the question. I support Tusla's programme of reform. It is hugely important that we have a child protection system that is fit for purpose. That is unquestionable. What Tusla now needs to do is build up public confidence in our child protection system. That involves taking an open approach to all reports and being receptive to different approaches. It comes back to Deputy Jan O'Sullivan's signs of safety. Let us have a debate. These decisions should be discussed at this committee. This committee has a key role. The members represent the citizens of this country. It is important that the members have a say in how our child protection system operates. Ultimately, these decisions will be taken by Tusla but having that conversation is important.

Coming to the discrete question, as I said, I am reluctant to comment on an individual case. What I will say is that I accept the point that the public needs to have confidence in how individual cases are dealt with. If, in fact, the factual matrix the Deputy presented is that the public needs to understand why it is acceptable that a child would remain in a high-risk environment, it is not sufficient to state that it is complex or challenging. We need to be able to explain in layman's terms why, in situations such as the example the Deputy demonstrated, it may be acceptable from a child protection perspective for the child to remain in the family. The case is one of many cases. As I say, I have not seen the file and it would be unfair of me to comment on the individual case. Nonetheless, there is an issue of public confidence. Of course, the public, looking in at an example like that, should feel confident that the right decision was taken. If the public does not, it undermines public confidence.