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

The Deputy's first question was excellent. I have had many conversations with Tusla on the issue of the designation of a case as being unallocated and cases which are of high, medium and low priority. As the Deputy is aware, even though cases are unallocated assessments have been carried out by social workers. It is determined whether a child is at immediate risk and if he or she is a social worker is assigned to him or her. If there is a suspicion of criminal activity the case is sent to An Garda Síochána. If there is no immediate risk a duty social work team is assigned to the case and monitors it in different ways over a period of time until a social worker can be found.

Even though we are using the word "unallocated" that is not to say that there is no social work oversight. It is erring on the conservative side in terms of ensuring the protection of children. I am as concerned as the Deputy is about the numbers. At the same time, I am somewhat consoled by the fact that there is ongoing monitoring in that regard. In respect of the prioritisation of cases of high, medium and low priority, I am absolutely assured that the system is working and no children are currently at risk in light of retrospective cases which have been declared.

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