Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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266. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the process in place in Tusla in assessing credible reports in respect of child safety issues; the protocols in place; the maximum timetable for action to be taken on these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18095/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I understand the Deputy to be referring to reports or referrals made to Tusla, Child and Family Agency, under Children First. 

Tusla child protection duty social work teams screen all referrals to determine whether a report meets the eligibility criteria. When notifications are screened and assessed they are prioritised and the most urgent referrals are given priority ensuring that the children most requiring protection receive this support and protection in the most timely manner. All urgent cases are assigned immediately to a social worker.

High priority is not solely determined by risk, but may refer also to a child in care for less than a year, or approaching 18 years, who is deemed to need a social worker.

Cases that are not yet allocated a social worker are overseen by duty social work teams, and about one fifth of cases may be dealt with as “active on duty” where specific actions by the social work team are taking place, including information gathering and visits to see the child.

I have written to Tusla to request additional information in relation to the timeframes for completion of assessments, and will update the Deputy in due course.