Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 22 June 2021
Committee on Public Petitions
Safety and Welfare of Children in Direct Provision Report: Discussion
Ms Nuala Ward:
No, it was not adequately resourced for the time we were investigating it. As I stated earlier, one of the critical posts of social worker seconded from Tusla was vacant for one year. One of our key recommendations was this unit needs heavy investment if it is to be such an important linchpin for the safety and welfare of children, for driving through the training and for making sure everyone knows about their obligation to children first and are able to implement it. In its response IPAS has committed to fully resourcing that unit in order that it is fit for purpose and to do what it is supposed to do under its own policy.