Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Deputy Mattie McGrath. The response to childcare needs, especially with respect to the front-line healthcare workers and essential workers has been disappointing overall. I accept that it is an issue complicated by public health advice but the fact remains that the approach to date has been fragmented and marked by much confusion. I note that on 1 May, the Minister issued a statement to say that existing registered childcare services will be invited to participate in overseeing the provision of childcare in the homes of healthcare and essential workers from 18 May. That is almost two weeks away and it is of great concern to these workers, who are doing fantastic work in our communities and who have to be commended. Initially, it was reported a fortnight ago that the HSE had estimated that more than 8,000 healthcare staff are in need of childcare support. Subsequently, another report estimated that the figure was much higher, which shows there is an urgent need for quick action. Is it acceptable that a voluntary scheme that aims to respond to this will not be in place until 18 May? It is putting those workers under incredible pressure. Can actions be taken urgently in this respect? Can a process be sped up and can the bureaucratic difficulties that are holding it up be dealt with? I would like the Minister to take that on board and to answer those questions.

Another issue I would like to raise is how child welfare is being prioritised in this time of crisis. As I understand it, Tusla, as a critical provider of essential front-line services for children and families, remains engaged in several key areas: child protection and children in care; emergency out-of-hours services; and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services. I noted the comments made by the chief executive of Tusla, Bernard Gloster, that all referrals or concerns about children are being screened and assessed in line with normal practice and that where a child is at immediate risk, he or she will receive an immediate protective response. However, the chief executive also noted that Tusla is seeking indications that the number of referrals to child protection and welfare services are lower than usual at this time. Some of this may be down to school closures and the lowering of referrals through that route but some of it may be more concerning. Is the Minister certain that Tusla is capable of responding to the potential scale of this problem? I know my colleague, Deputy Mattie McGrath, has previously noted from his research on this matter that a shocking 248,000 referrals across all categories of abuse, including physical and sexual abuse, were made to Tusla during the period from 2011 to 2018. Those children are still out there and they need our assistance. We have to ensure that child welfare remains a top priority, and I hope the Minister will engage with this particular aspect during her reply.

The third issue I wish to raise relates to the concerns that have emerged around the increase in the incidence of domestic and gender-based violence. From what I can see, there are clear indications that the number of such incidents are increasing in recent months. Will the Minister outline the practical support measures she has put in place to respond to this in terms of increased refuge supports or access to volunteer helplines? I wish to mention also that I am very aware there is a chronic lack of refuge supports and services in County Laois. I ask the Minister to put emergency services, such as refuge services, in place immediately because it has been raised a number of times.

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