Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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778. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children that have been taken into care and whose parents are homeless in each of the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4340/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has advised that it does not collect the data requested by the Deputy. I should say that homelessness as part of a family group is not, in of itself, a basis for seeking to receive a child into care. However where there is a specific child protection concern, Tusla can investigate and take the child into care, if necessary.

Children in emergency homeless accommodation are in the care of their parent/s and a key role of a primary carer is that of protection. If there is a specific child protection concern, it should be reported immediately to Tusla for appropriate response. Tusla provides family support and works with relevant services to maximise the supports available to children and families who are homeless. Where underlying problems are identified, for example mental health issues, it can refer the family to the appropriate service.