Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Only a fortnight ago, I spoke about the serious failures of the Children's Rights Alliance to review Tusla's performance and I highlighted concerns that there were serious gaps appearing in the Tusla system, leaving hundreds of children vulnerable. Considering the news released in the past week, it deeply saddens me to say that these fears have been validated. The recent inquiry by Judge Conor Fottrell found that at least 250 children had not been assigned a social worker as the State agency had failed to comply with court orders to do so. The judge also informed that Tusla had failed to comply with over 660 additional court orders.What beggars belief is that the chief executive of Tusla, Kate Duggan, confirmed that she was aware of the issue and that absolutely no action had been taken. A recent HIQA report has only echoed many of these concerns. In addition to the shortage of social workers and the delays in allocating them to vulnerable children, other serious problems include inadequate planning and monitoring. The report said that there was a significant lack of oversight in those areas, as well as gaps in the review of safety plans. The report also identified the poor governance of the oversight of the child protection notification system as a serious issue. In any sane country, scandals like this would result in inquiries, resignations and the overhaul of the system. We have yet to see anything of the sort. Therefore, I renew my call for the Minister for children to appear before this Chamber post haste to answer for this growing list of concerns and disasters.