Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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619. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether the extension of a care order is in the best interest of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42884/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, may receive a child into care on a voluntary basis or following an application to the Courts. There are a range of orders provided for under the Child Care Act 1991, as amended. Decisions on the variation or discharge of a care order are a matter for the relevant Court and I am not in a position to comment on these.

The application for a care order is a serious step and Tusla makes every effort to identify supports or actions that could act as an alternate approach. Tusla engages with parents and children in the preparation of an application for a care order, except where this is not possible or it may not be appropriate under the circumstances. The Court may seek a range of reports or the assistance of a Guardian ad Litem before coming to a decision.