Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)
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I welcome all the members of Tusla to today's committee meeting. I recognise and honour the work Ms Duggan and her team carry out. It is among the most vital in the State. Ms Duggan mentioned that it is one of the most important roles in the country. I think it is the most important role in the country.

My contribution this morning relates to the third last paragraph. This is the reason why the witnesses are here, the significant incidents involving four young people known to Tusla services. We learn from the past. In 2024, the national review panel report published in mid-2025 recorded the deaths of 19 children and young people who were known to Tusla through aftercare or social work contact. This finding raises serious concerns about the adequacy of existing safeguards and effectiveness of interventions provided to vulnerable young people. In this context, what warning flags were identified in that report? What specific actions have been taken by Tusla in response to that report?