Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

16. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the circumstances in which she can instruct Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to alter its policy on any given issue under its remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14823/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency was established under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013 on 1 January 2014. The Agency has responsibility for a range of services, including

- child welfare and protection services, including family support services previously delivered by the HSE

- services provided by the former Family Support Agency and the National Educational Welfare Board;

- pre-school inspection services;

- domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services; and

- community-based services related to the psychological welfare of children and families.

In accordance with the Agency's establishing legislation, each year a detailed Performance Statement is prepared by myself as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for the Agency with specific policy guidance, direction, prioritisation and resource parameters to inform the preparation of its annual business plan. This Statement also sets out the key priorities that are required of Tusla. The content of the Performance Statement for 2016 was informed by the 2016 Budget allocation and took account of Government priorities and a number of important issues for children, young people and families which emerged during 2015.

Under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013 there are powers conferred on me as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, which allow for additional written policy direction and/or guidelines to be given to the Agency. This is covered by Section 47 and Section 48 of the Act.

My Department works very closely with Tusla and closely monitors delivery of its annual Business Plan, prepared in response to the detailed policy guidance provided in the Performance Statement which issues to Tusla under the 2013 Act. The need for any additional policy guidance is kept under review.