Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

668. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff in Tusla who have been designated as child protection trainers. [6947/17]

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

Tusla has advised that it currently employs 36 (32.8 whole time equivalent) Training and Development Officers to provide a range of Learning and Development programmes including child protection training to Tusla staff.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

669. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff in Tusla who are trained in child protection and children first guidelines. [6948/17]

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

I am aware that it is Tusla policy to ensure all staff are trained in Child Protection and Children First guidelines as relevant to their role. Children First training is provided to all Tusla staff on an ongoing basis and refresher training is provided every 3 years. In 2016 alone the following Tusla staff were trained in Children First:

- 317 Children First - Basic Training

- 263 Children First - Refresher Programme

Tusla staff also attend a broad range of Child Protection Training. Some examples of Child Protection Training carried out in 2016 are as follows: