Dáil debates

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Covid-19 (Childcare): Statements

 

2:20 pm

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. On the issue of the allocation to Meath and Louth Education and Training Board I will correspond in writing to him and give the rationale behind it. We secured a €5 million increase in funding for the youth services sector, which is the biggest increase in the past decade so it was very substantial. I will always be looking to put more money into that sector but we should acknowledge it was a significant increase. Certainly the youth groups to which I have spoken see the extra use to which the money can go.

With regard to Tusla referrals, Tusla has identified vulnerable children during the lockdown as one of the core groups it is focused on. I have engaged with the CEO of Tusla on this particular issue and I am confident it will continue to focus on these vulnerable children. I am aware of the fact that with schools closed the extra vigilance that teachers and special needs assistants provide with regard to vulnerable children is not there. Tusla will step up and seek to bridge this gap.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.