Written answers

Tuesday, 15 December 2020

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Child and Family Agency

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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391. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if Tusla undertook a root-and-branch assessment of the current service before deciding to initiate changes to the service provision with regard to the expansion of the geographical area in mid-County Kerry; if all the local community services and agencies in the region with local knowledge were invited by Tusla at the planning stage to input and provide feedback regarding these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42908/20]

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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393. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if young persons and families will be referred immediately by neighbourhood youth projects with regard to the expansion of the geographical area of Tusla; and if not, if there will be a social work-type centralised referral system such as used currently by Tusla (details supplied). [42910/20]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 393 together.

Following clarification received from the Deputy on this matter, I have referred the information provided to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and have requested that Tusla respond to the Deputy directly.

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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392. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there will be an increase in funding and staff numbers for Tusla to cover the service area proposed within the new system; if so, the percentage; and if not, the way in which the current staff will carry out their present role and cover the rest of the county as well. [42909/20]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that Tusla has shared proposals for the restructuring of the Agency with my officials.

As per Section 53 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, the appointment of employees to Tusla requires my approval and the consent of my colleague, Mr. Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I can confirm that Tusla’s proposals for restructuring and the appointment of associated senior staff are under consideration at this time.

I have asked Tusla to respond to the Deputy directly with regard to the provision of services on a county basis.

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