Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Doherty for raising this very serious matter. I spoke to the Minister for children this morning. He was in contact with the CEO of Tusla, Ms Kate Duggan, today. My understanding is similar to Deputy Doherty's, that Tusla has put in place a new internal compliance unit. The purpose of this unit is to enable it to examine evidence from providers of special emergency accommodation that their staff have Garda vetting and adequate qualifications. It is so important that we have that compliance structure within Tusla and that it is very much on top of this matter. That compliance unit itself detected an issue with a named company. Tusla immediately ceased using the named company. Tusla notified other State bodies that may have been aware of or using the company's services. I understand the matter has now been referred to An Garda Síochána and there is now a Garda investigation under way. Therefore, I am limited in commenting further on the matter.

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