Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government recognises it is not acceptable for families to live in unsuitable emergency accommodation. If a child presents unaccompanied to a Garda station out of hours, there is a clear statutory responsibility on the Garda to contact the Tusla-funded social worker. When a family with a child presents at the same Garda station, there is no statutory clarity in terms of what the Garda should do. Focus Ireland wrote to the Taoiseach two years ago asking for regulations to be introduced to clarify what the Garda must do in such circumstances. The Taoiseach said it was not necessary. Given the events of this week, will the Tánaiste look again at the issue and come forward with regulations to clarify the legal situation in such circumstances?

See this speech in context