Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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16. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which all allegations regarding the abuse of children or vulnerable young adults in institutions, foster homes or otherwise in the care of the State have been fully investigated or are in the course thereof; the action taken or pending to prevent reoccurrences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22327/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla holds the statutory responsibility for child welfare and protection, and is the appropriate body to receive reports relating to the safety and well-being of a child. This applies to children under the age of 18, living in their own home or living in care. Each referral received by Tusla is assessed and dealt with on an individual basis by the relevant social work team.

Any complaint or allegation of abuse made by a child in care is dealt with urgently and seriously. Children First procedures apply to the investigation of the allegation. The safety and well being of the child are the key priority.

There are safeguards surrounding each child care placement, whether foster or residential care. Placements are supervised by a professionally qualified social worker, and the provision of care services is monitored by Tusla management and subject to inspections by the Health Information Quality Authority and by Tusla Registration Services.

The Deputy should also be aware that children in care have access to independent advocacy supports, such as the organisation Empowering People in Care, or EPIC. Children in care also have access to the complaints mechanism in Tulsa, and may make complaints, or be assisted to make complaints, about their care to the Office of the Ombudsman for Children .

We have a strong set of child protection measures, and have made significant improvements in recent years - but we cannot be complacent. Increased funding for Tusla in Budget 2017 provides additional capacity for Tusla to respond to areas of identified risk and anticipated demand. It will also allow Tusla to progress key service developments during 2017.