Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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540. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are any financial supports or grants available for people attempting to set up supervised access services, given the financial struggles many parents face while trying to avail of these services; whether her Department will provide funding for these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4369/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am not in a position to comment on funding available for people attempting to set up supervised access services who in the main, are private service providers.

In a small number of cases, Tusla uses external private providers, such as supervision/access centres, often on the direction of the Court. These services are used when a child is in the care of Tusla. Where Tusla engages such services, the conditions to be met are outlined to ensure they are compliant with Tusla standards. These services would be classified as a ‘relevant service’ under Children First as they provide care and supervision of children whilst in the centre. Therefore, any such service providers are required to have a Child Safeguarding Statement and relevant policies and procedures.

When directed by the Courts, Tusla do provide financial assistance for supervised access for children in its care, and this funding is provided to Tusla by my Department, within Tusla’s annual funding allocation.