Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take Deputy Rabbitte's points. It is important to have ongoing collaboration between Tusla, An Garda Síochána and, in terms of counselling services, the HSE. My response focuses on the legal responsibility of Tusla in this regard and on identifying where there are other responsibilities there too. In her follow-up question, the Deputy suggested that the ways in which these responsibilities are defined may leave those who have taken the decision to contact a statutory agency and make a disclosure feeling that they may not get the proper supports and services. My understanding is that there is a process that people go through when contacting Tusla. They are supported in that regard.

From Tusla's perspective, the most important thing is to identify whether there are any children currently at risk. Tusla also provides referrals where HSE counselling supports are required, as well as support for the person to go to An Garda Síochána. That is not to say that the systems are perfect. I am trying to indicate clearly what Tusla's responsibilities are.

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