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

I believe that this agency is fit for purpose. There are challenges and failures but children are safe today because of its work. It is not a finished product and further progress is needed. As society evolves, so will Tusla. It has achieved much in its five years. It has brought a myriad of disparate groups, technologies and practices together under one umbrella. It has responded to numerous high-profile tragedies that occurred before its formation. It is important to acknowledge the good work that has been done and is done by the agencies on a daily basis.

In my initial response to the Deputy, I identified several oversight bodies that offer recommendations and analysis on the challenges the agency faces and the things that ought to be changed. Those recommendations are presented to me, action plans are developed by Tusla, the action plans are put in place and the results are monitored. Tusla and its supporting bodies have taken many steps to ensure it is fit for purpose, including its own directorate of transformation and policy, which has made many strides in reshaping and refocusing its policies. As I said before, that does not mean there are no challenges remaining. However I absolutely believe it is fit for purpose. The reform process it has identified is under way and it will be able to build on what it has done before, especially with its new leadership. I have fought for and secured resources to support the agency in doing that.

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