Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The challenges which have led to Tusla’s increasing reliance on SEAs are complex, and there is no one easy solution to them. They include difficulties in maintaining the number of foster carers, difficulties in maintaining sufficient capacity in residential care services, the complexity of the presentation of some children presenting to Tusla, and the unprecedented number of Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) requiring Tusla services.

I share the Deputy’s concern in relation to Tusla’s current reliance on Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs). Tusla, supported by my Department, is working to reduce reliance on special emergency arrangements. In this regard, Tusla has responded, in the first instance, by publishing Strategic Plans in respect of Foster Care, Residential Care, and Aftercare. These include a range of actions the Agency plans to undertake in order to increase capacity in alternative care, and ensure that these services continue to meet the needs of children and their families. The Strategic Plan for Residential Care sets a target for reducing reliance on private provision of residential care placements. My Department continues to support Tusla in its implementation of the Strategic Plans.

I have resourced Tusla to maintain and expand their services by securing additional funding as part of Budget 2024. In addition, regarding efforts to maintain the number of foster carers, I was very pleased to secure a significant increase in the rates of the Foster Care Allowance in Budget 2024.

In the interim, specific measures are being taken to promote and support the quality and safety of SEAs. These include revised Standard Operating Procedures, oversight by Tusla’s Executive Management Team, and the inspection of SEAs by Tusla’s Practice Assurance and Service Monitoring (PASM) team, with a view to continuous improvements in the service. It is intended that these initiatives will support good practice in Tusla’s operation of SEAs. It is also noted that Tusla’s child welfare and protection services are subject to inspection by HIQA against the relevant standards.

The care and welfare of children in care is a priority for Government. Officials from my Department continue to actively engage with Tusla in relation to that Agency’s operation of SEAs.