Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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36. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding contributors to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, can influence or direct its policy on any matter under its remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14824/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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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;

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

The principal funding contributor to Tusla is the Department of Children and Youth Affairs under Vote 40.

In accordance with the Agency's establishing legislation, each year a detailed Performance Statement is issued to the Agency, setting out the level of funding being provided and including specific policy guidance, direction, prioritisation and resource parameters to inform the development of its annual business plan. This Statement also set out the key priorities that are required of Tusla.

In addition, Section 39 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013 makes provision for the Agency to accept gifts of money land or other property upon such trusts or conditions as may be specified by the donor. However, Tusla is precluded from accepting gifts if the conditions attaching are inconsistent with the functions or obligations of the Agency as outlined in this Act or any other relevant legislation.