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

The Senator is absolutely right about the need to follow through. The crucial work that Tusla has done has been backed up by my Department with significant additional funding of €66 million in 2021. I think that is the highest ever annual increase in funding and €41 million was provided last year in budget 2022. We are investing in Tusla to give it the resources to be able to undertake the kinds of innovative approaches we are seeing in the therapeutic hub in north Dublin. It will take a little while before this approach can be rolled out across the country.

The Senator mentioned multidisciplinary work and it is an issue I have raised with Bernard Gloster and his team several times. We recognise the importance of having these interlinked and wide-ranging therapies available for the children who need them most. As Senator Byrne said, that need is particularly great coming out of Covid. I will be happy to engage with the Senator and other Senators and to provide updates on the roll-out.