Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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550. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children currently under the care of Tusla who have been identified as at risk of sexual exploitation; what specific measures are in place to protect these children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4567/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As this relates to data collated by Tusla, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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551. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what training and resources are provided to social workers and care providers to identify, prevent, and respond to cases of sexual exploitation among children in State care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4568/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As this relates to an operational matter, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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552. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in State care have gone missing in the past year, with a breakdown of the number suspected to be victims of, or at risk of, sexual exploitation; what immediate actions are taken when a child goes missing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4569/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Children reported missing from the care or accommodation of Tusla are recognised as being among the most vulnerable in society. Tusla and An Garda Síochána work together on such cases through a Joint Protocol.

Prior to August 2023, missing children from care data was not part of Tusla’s collated data or national metrics. Missing Children in Care information was held on individual case files. The data information is now collated manually at a point- in-time, on a bi-weekly basis.

As on 30 January 2025, there were 36 children missing from the care of Tusla including 33 Separated Children Seeking International Protection and Unaccompanied Minors and 3 missing from Mainstream Care. Of these 36, 2 are in contact with professionals and/or carers. Of these 36, 5 have been missing for between 1 and 3 days. Information regarding whether children missing from care are suspected to be victims of, or at risk of, sexual exploitation is located on individual case files and is not collated centrally by Tusla.

Where a young person in care is deemed missing, Tusla notify An Garda Síochána under the joint Children First protocol. Once a child has been reported missing, the Gardaí have primary responsibility for investigating the child’s whereabouts. Tusla remains concerned for the welfare of those minors who go missing from its care and who do not get back in touch, and Tusla continues to make efforts to contact the young person. Tusla liaises continually with the Gardaí and keeps them updated if staff become aware of any further information relating to the missing young person.

It should be noted that when a young person who is missing in care reaches the age of majority (18), they are no longer statutorily categorised as missing in care. These cases are no longer open to Tusla but may remain open as a missing person to An Garda Síochána if they have not yet located the young person.

Some unaccompanied minors who go missing from care communicate their intention to travel on to other countries to join family members and some indicate that it was never their intention to remain in Ireland and leave soon after they arrive in the country. For those who do not subsequently make Tusla aware of their whereabouts, these young people are counted as missing and An Garda Síochána are notified accordingly.

In Ireland, Child Sexual Exploitation has been enacted in legislation since 1989 with various amendments. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 addresses the sexual exploitation of children. Under the Children First Act, 2015, Child Sexual Exploitation is defined in detail under the category of Sexual Abuse and examples are included and clearly outlined to assist Mandated persons obligations for reporting abuse.

Tusla is acutely aware of and shares State and European Union concerns about the increased risk of child and human trafficking or exploitation of vulnerable young people, particularly in the context of the increased global movement of people.

Because of these concerns, in 2020, Tusla and An Garda Síochána developed the Child Sexual Exploitation Procedure, "Operation Cosnaím”. This procedure was implemented in early 2021 and assists professionals in identifying and protecting children who may be at risk of sexual exploitation.

As part of “Operation Cosnaím” all concerns of child sexual exploitation regarding a child who is in the care of Tusla, are notified to a centralised point in the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. An Garda Síochána are reviewing this operation currently and once this review is completed my Department will be seeking a further meeting with Tusla and An Garda Síochána.

Tusla and The Garda Síochána have developed a Child Sexual Exploitation Form and Checklist Tool, to assist in the identification and reporting of concerns of suspected child sexual exploitation. This checklist assists Social Workers to identify indicators that may raise concerns that a child may be subject to child sexual exploitation.

Tusla’s National Garda Liaison Office works with An Garda Síochána at a national level to ensure the effective implementation of the agreed joint policy and procedure.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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553. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for details on the level of cooperation between Tusla, An Garda Síochána, and other relevant agencies when dealing with cases of suspected sexual exploitation of children in care; the protocols in place to ensure swift and effective responses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4570/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department and the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) continue to take the issue of potential Child Sexual Exploitation very seriously. We are committed to promoting safe and high-quality practice in all areas of Alternative Care, including working with An Garda Síochána as required. Tusla maintains joint protocols for interagency collaboration with the HSE and An Garda Síochána. These documents set out the roles and responsibilities of each organisation to promote the safety and welfare of every child.

Tusla has a statutory obligation to notify An Garda Síochána of all incidences of suspected child sexual exploitation, including those relating to children in the care of the State. In these cases, Tusla liaises closely with An Garda Síochána, which leads investigations into notifications of child sexual exploitation. A Principal Social Worker from Tusla has been seconded to the Garda National Protective Service Bureau (GNPSB) for a number of years.

In response to concerns in relation to the sexual exploitation of children in state care, An Garda Síochána, in close collaboration with Tusla set up Operation Cosnaím. As part of Operation Cosnaím, all concerns of child sexual exploitation regarding a child who is in the care of Tusla, are notified to a centralised point in the GNPSB. An Garda Síochána is currently reviewing this operation, and once this review is completed, my Department will be seeking to continue engagement with Tusla and An Garda Siochána.

Additionally, my Department and Tusla will also soon convene a meeting with An Garda Síochána to discuss child human trafficking and labour exploitation, as well as the implementation of the National Referral Mechanism under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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554. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on any upcoming legislative changes or policy reviews aimed at enhancing the protection of children in care from sexual exploitation, particularly in light of recent reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4571/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department and the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) are committed to promoting safe and high quality practice in all areas of alternative care, including in relation to protecting this vulnerable cohort from the risk of sexual exploitation.

In this regard, An Garda Síochána, in close collaboration with Tusla have established ‘Operation Cosnaím’. As part of ‘Operation Cosnaím’ all concerns of child sexual exploitation regarding a child who is in the care of Tusla, are notified to a centralised point in the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. I am informed that An Garda Síochána are currently reviewing ‘Operation Cosnaím’.

My Department has established a Working Group on institutional and organisational abuse. This Group is currently considering a report published by the University College Dublin ‘Sexual Exploitation Research Programme’ (SERP), and making recommendations as required, after which I and my Department will consider any further steps as may be necessary.

In addition, Tusla and my Department have jointly commissioned a literature review of international literature and best practice, which will inform how Tusla responds to and intervenes in institutional, organisational, and organised abuse of children and young people. The work of this project is confined to the examination of institutional, organisational, and organised abuse, including for example the United Kingdom (UK) ‘Rotherham Report’ into child sexual exploitation, and the UK Rochdale enquiry into child sexual exploitation.

Tusla has also informed Officials in my Department that it has committed to reviewing its Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) procedure in 2025. Tusla is awaiting the Dept of Justice’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM) operational guidelines, which will inform the review of the CSE procedure.

Children in care are some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society, and I, my Department, and Tusla continue to take the issue of potential child sexual exploitation, including of children in care, very seriously.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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555. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what specific therapeutic and support services are available for children in care who have been victims of sexual exploitation or are at risk; how these services are accessed; the current capacity versus demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4572/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As this relates to an operational matter, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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556. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how the reporting of sexual exploitation within the care system is monitored, including the mechanisms for collecting and analysing data to inform policy and practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4573/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As this relates to an operational matter, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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557. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for a comparison of the risks of sexual exploitation faced by children in foster care versus those in residential care; the differences in safeguarding measures implemented in these settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4574/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As this relates to an operational matter, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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558. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps being taken to increase public awareness about the risks of sexual exploitation for children in care; how communities are being engaged to help protect these vulnerable individuals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4575/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Children in the care of the State are among the most vulnerable individuals in our society. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and my Department are committed to promoting safe and high-quality practice in all areas of Alternative Care.

The Child Care Act 1991, as amended, provides the statutory foundation for the promotion of welfare and protection of all children. Building on this foundation, Children First provides national guidance for professionals, organisations and individuals to help keep children safe and protected from harm, including sexual exploitation and abuse.

The Children First Act 2015, which was fully commenced in December 2017, details several key child protection measures. These include raising awareness of child abuse and neglect, providing for mandated reporting of child protection concerns, and improving child protection arrangements in organisations providing services to children. Tusla has developed a comprehensive referral system that allows organisations, the public and mandated people to share their concerns for a child potentially at risk of neglect or abuse.

In partnership with Tusla, my Department has promoted awareness of Children First through the National Children First Awareness Week, which was launched in 2021. The aim of Children First Awareness Week is to raise awareness of Children First, and to remind organisations and individuals working with children and young people of our collective responsibility to keep them safe in our communities.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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559. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what longitudinal studies or follow-ups are being conducted to assess the long-term outcomes for children who have been identified as victims of sexual exploitation while in State care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4576/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My department is leading on the Care Experiences Programme examining the lives of children in care and adults who were in care as children. It aims to provide an extensive overview of their experiences and to examine their long term outcomes.

The programme consists of four research projects: analysis of Tusla administrative data to improve knowledge and understanding of children and young people’s pathways through the care system; a cross sectional research study on young adults who left care ten to twelve years ago exploring their experiences and outcomes; a longitudinal study of young people transitioning from care; and other bespoke studies related to the scope of the overall programme.

Capturing evidence in relation to the outcomes for children and young people who have experiences of care and aftercare is a key focus across the four projects.

Experiences of child sexual exploitation is an issue, alongside others, that may arise within the research undertaken in this programme of work.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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560. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the support systems in place for young adults leaving care who have experienced or are at risk of sexual exploitation; how the transition from child to adult services ensures continuity of care and protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4577/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As this relates to an operational matter, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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561. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will consider adopting international best practices or successful strategies from other jurisdictions in enhancing the protection of children in care from sexual exploitation; if so, which practices or strategies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4578/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Children in the care of the State are some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. My Department and Tusla continue to work closely on the safeguarding framework for all children in care to ensure that it continues to be sufficiently robust to protect children from evolving risks.

Prior to the publication of the UCD Sexual Exploitation Research Programme (SERP) report, my Department established a Working Group looking at institutional and organisational abuse. This Group is currently considering the UCD SERP report and making recommendations as required, after which my Department will consider any further steps as may be necessary.

Tusla and my Department have jointly commissioned an external literature review which will aid the deliberations and decision making about how Tusla responds to and intervenes in the suspected institutional, organisational, and organised abuse of children and young people. The work of this project includes review of best international practice around same, including the training of residential care staff in signs of potential grooming of children.

It is intended that the commissioned research will also look at the findings, learnings and recommendations of seminal reports on abuse of children in residential care settings, including for example the UK Rotherham report into child sexual exploitation, and the UK Rochdale enquiry into child sexual exploitation.

The commissioned research is also reviewing Dr Geoffrey Shannon’s independent report on St. John Ambulance Ireland. This includes reviewing issues highlighted on response pathways and procedures to respond to any similar concerns which may arise in the future in respect to referrals related to organisations working with minors in the community or where children are placed in care placements.

The joint working group awaits the completed literature review to inform its continued work in this area throughout 2025. It is expected that the research company will submit its report for consideration in late Q1 2025.

My Department and Tusla are always open to any learnings derived from other jurisdictions that can inform our safeguarding policies and approaches to tackling child sexual exploitation.