Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising these matters. As we said previously, they are matters that are of enormous concern to all of us in this House and, indeed, right across government and I would say right across society. I want to say sincerely that I am deeply saddened by the very tragic cases that have come to light, and I extend my own sympathy and thoughts and those of the Government to the families and loved ones of these children and young people.

I appreciate that the Deputy also acknowledged that these cases are the subject of active and ongoing investigation by An Garda Síochána, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific details that could, even inadvertently, prejudice that very important investigation by An Garda Síochána. I can say that, as soon as Tusla became aware of these cases, the Department was notified immediately through the agreed protocols and procedures in place. There has been ongoing engagement with Tusla relating to Tusla's own internal reviews of each specific case and on any recommendations that have arisen to date as a result of these internal reviews. I have directed the national review panel to undertake a review of each case as a matter of priority and to make findings and recommendations in respect of these as deemed appropriate. The national review panel is independent and has remit to review serious incidents, in particular where there is suspected or confirmed abuse of a child in care.

With regard to the well-being check, which we referenced earlier, its purpose is to proactively test and strengthen the current safety net the State provides for children’s welfare and protection and to provide assurances about the welfare of vulnerable children. The well-being check is focused on cases that were closed to child protection services during Covid-19 and relates to cases where there has been no further contact with the child since. As I already confirmed, the well-being check will be overseen by the independent steering group, which is to be chaired by Ms Tanya Ward, the CEO of the Children's Rights Alliance. As I said earlier to the House, I can confirm that phase 1 of the project is under way and a number of steps have been taken to date. The membership of the steering committee has been finalised and includes representatives from a variety of Departments including Social Protection, Health, Education and Youth, and Justice Home Affairs and Migration, along with representatives from the Health Service Executive, the Central Statistics Office, Tusla, Barnardos and an independent social work expert.

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