Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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I will come back to some of the questions I asked that the witnesses did not have time to answer. Specifically, the fact the Ombudsman for Children's Office has no remit in terms of complaints made about private crèches and childcare providers is of concern, especially when it is getting complaints and has to say it does not have the remit to investigate them. In regard to the engagement the Ombudsman for Children's Office has had with the Department on that, can I have an update on the progress on that issue?

The 88% rise in child protection and welfare concerns received last year - they are not complaints but, rather, concerns - is a very high percentage rise. Will the witnesses give further detail on that?

To come back to special care, did the Ombudsman for Children's Office engage with Tusla following the publication of the report and the very serious concerns raised about special care? On the point regarding children being put into special care when they have addiction or mental health issues, they are put into that care and they are unable to get any support or assistance for what they are suffering from.