Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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526. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which the investigative structures within her Department or bodies under her aegis are deemed adequate to meet current and future requirements as evaluated by reference to the time taken to respond to individual cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44004/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is required under the Child Care Act 1991 to investigate allegations of abuse, including historical abuse, and to engage with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.

Tusla provides a comprehensive rage of services and supports for vulnerable children and families. I have secured an additional €40 million for Tusla in the Budget, bringing the Agency's allocation to over €753 million in 2018. This additional funding will target areas of identified need. It will allow Tusla to recruit over 300 staff, reducing the number of unallocated cases and improving response times and performance.

I am committed to the protection and welfare of children and believe that there is a moral duty on Government and on society to work together to protect children and to ensure their safety. Within the limits of the budgetary process, I have sought to maximise the resources available for this important work and the effectiveness of their use.