James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will finish what I was saying in my opening statement. Officials in my Department are working closely with the board and senior management of the agency to ensure the continued provision, within the significant resource provided, of high quality and responsive services to vulnerable children and families. A key component of this engagement is associated with the 2016 Estimates process and it is to determine the resources required to ensure the agency can continue to provide and develop the important supports and services to children and young people.

I take issue with the Deputy if she believes what happened in Laois-Offaly is purely a resource issue. It certainly is not. A number of issues have been identified there concerning how protocols were followed and the lack of uniformity in how reporting is carried out through the ranks. There is no question or doubt but that there is further support required for social workers in terms of staffing levels, staff supports and IT. All these matters are being addressed through a business case by Tusla, which will report shortly.

On the issue itself, the chief operating officer, Mr. McBride, has taken personal control of the matter and was in the area regularly to offer support. He brought in a team to address the backlog. A similar operation has taken place in Louth and Meath.

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