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

I understand the Deputy is referring to the Alliance of Birth Mothers Campaigning for Justice. I have not met the group but I have received its report. It is important that the voices of those who engage with our services are heard.  The sample size in the report relates to 25 mothers. They represent mothers whose children are either in the care of their fathers or of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The report is concerned with the actions of Tusla, the courts and An Garda Síochána. Although the sample size is small, the feedback and experiences of people who live through challenging life events should influence how our agencies work with vulnerable parents and children.  

Parents may find the decisions of the courts regarding where their children shall live to be distressing and upsetting. It is of the utmost importance that efforts are made to support parents where possible and to ensure that a child only enters care where all other solutions have failed. While such decisions can be heart-breaking for a mother, the State, through its agencies and the courts, must bear in mind the child’s best interest and safety and act accordingly.

Under its new child protection methodology, Signs of Safety, Tusla is working in co-operation with family members of children who are considered to be at risk to find safe solutions for them. This methodology was rolled out to all 17 Tusla areas in 2019. I am very glad to say that the formal feedback from families who have been part of a Signs of Safety intervention has been positive. Tusla has also strengthened policy and practice where a parent voluntarily places his or her child in care.

The report proposes that accountability, competency and transparency should be key guiding principles for services working with children and families. I agree and I also believe that these principles are respected. I want to assure the Deputy that in Ireland, we set a very high standard for the care and protection of our children. Tusla's valuable work is subject to oversight and scrutiny by the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for Children and CORU, the latter in its registration of social workers. In addition, the Public Appointments Service ensures fair procedures in the appointment of professionals.

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