Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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14. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of recent reports on child protection services in County Laois and County Offaly, if he is satisfied that these services are sufficiently well staffed, funded and fit-for-purpose; that the children in these counties are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20495/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I have been in regular contact with Tusla regarding the situation that has emerged in Laois/Offaly, including meetings with the Chair and senior management. To date, Tusla has given me their view that the management of staffing numbers in the area was not the only factor involved in the very unsatisfactory situation that was identified there. The Tusla management view is that existing resources were not being managed as effectively as they might be. In taking action in Laois Offaly, Tusla has made additional staff available to address the backlog.

Nationally, Tusla's child welfare and protection services are subject to the independent inspection regime of the Health Information and Quality Authority, and their reports are a matter of public record. As the child protection services are rightly undergoing scrutiny, other aspects of service delivery will no doubt be identified for improvement. Tusla has also recently developed the first ever quality assurance programme for child protection services. This programme is identifying areas in service improvement needs and is used to address resources and practice issues.

I have been reassured by Tusla that the day to day work with children and families is being done. I agree that the resources to support this work are a key priority and that we need to examine this for the system as a whole. I requested a report reviewing the situation with cases awaiting allocation. This report is at an advanced stage and I expect that it will be submitted to me shortly. It will provide Tusla with an opportunity to outline objective information on the road blocks we need to remove in the system. I am confident that this will reveal that the reforms that are underway are on the right track to deliver a fully quality assured service for all children at risk or in care.