Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I thank the Deputy for raising what is clearly an extremely tragic situation. I have requested my officials to make direct contact with the Deputy's office to seek further information which will allow them query this specific tragic case.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, are responsible for the assessment and child safeguarding response for children referred to them under the provisions of Children First and the Children First Act 2015. This includes any concern about a child that reaches the threshold of “reasonable grounds for concern” or harm as defined by the Children First Act.

Where harm has been identified Tusla will seek to engage the family in a participative safety planning process, a process where they work collaboratively with the child and family toward the achievement of safety goals. Where the threshold of significant harm has been reached a child protection case conference may be convened which will consider all matters including potential care order applications. Where there is an immediate risk to the child's safety Tusla will apply to the District Court for an Emergency care order. Where children are likely to experience significant harm, specific child protection safety plans are put in place. All safety plans are monitored over time to promote the best interests of children to remain at home safely. Where the threshold of harm is not reached Tusla offers a range of local voluntary, and community supports to assist families with difficulties they may be experiencing.

As Minister for Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth, I am not in a position to intervene in individual cases as Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is required by law to be independent in its work as set out in Section 8(11) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013.