Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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36. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to reports from the HSE of Tusla discriminating against children with disabilities in the provision of child protection services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39923/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I think it is vital to emphasise that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has never found, in all of the inspections that it has conducted, an instance where child protection services – when required – were not immediately available. Tusla has reiterated its position that all child protection concerns it receives are screened and assessed in line with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, and that all such concerns are treated in the same way, regardless of any other challenges a child may or may not face. Tusla has confirmed to me that no child is excluded from accessing child protection services, regardless of their situation.

Each child presenting to our State services comes with a range of differing needs and support requirements. Children in the care of Tusla receive disability services from the HSE, where appropriate. Where a child requires additional supports, for example, for a disability, the best possible care and service is sourced for them.

The commentary by the HSE refers to observations on the Joint Working Protocol between the HSE and Tusla. This document, of which disability forms just a part, was agreed upon the establishment of Tusla in January, 2014. The comments in question relate to 2014. Matters have moved on since then.

Since 2015, Tusla has been actively seeking to establish a new, detailed, disability protocol with the HSE governing children in care and aftercare, and access to disability services. This protocol would also specify how Tusla might be of assistance to HSE cases in relation to supports under Tusla’s remit.

I am pleased that, in the last few days, Tusla and the HSE have agreed a new protocol in principle, which will operate to ensure good collaboration between Tusla and the HSE on disability-related services for children. The exact wording is being finalised but, cooperation will be immediate. In addition, officials from both my Department and the Department of Health will meet soon to further develop and copper fasten the appropriate oversight of this new working arrangement.

Finally, it should be noted that there is a clear escalation process that can be used by Tusla or the HSE should an issue arise, or if there is an unresolved matter regarding access to appropriate, available services.