Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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230. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will consider strengthening Tusla’s statutory powers to intervene in cases where minors or vulnerable adults are being subjected to psychological coercion or recruited into high-control groups or cults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17759/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Child Care Act 1991, Tusla has the statutory responsibility to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. The State offers a complex range of support services under a variety of Departments supporting families in financial, social, employment, leisure and other aspects of their lives.

Tusla’s response to concerns about the welfare and protection of children is guided by Children First Principles and Tusla’s overall aim in all dealings with children and their families is to intervene proportionately to support families to keep children safe from harm.

There are dedicated points of contact in the 26 counties of Ireland for concerned members of the public and mandated reporters under Children First 2015 to make referrals or discuss their concerns in relation to a child. There is comprehensive information and guidance and contact details for the Tusla social work teams on the Tusla website.?Tusla’s Web Portal allows mandated reporters to securely submit child protection and welfare concerns to?Tusla online, alternatively, they can report concerns in person, by telephone or in writing to Tusla’s social work service in the area where the child lives.

Tusla’s response to any types of child abuse matters is in accordance with its responses as set out in Children First Act, the 1991 Child Care Act and relevant other legislative contexts.

In addition, Tusla has a role with other state agencies especially An Garda Síochána where an institutional or organised element is identified with any abuse. Tusla is currently working with my Department to identify the most appropriate definitions and guidelines in these situations. While this work will support more effective intervention, Tusla with its partner agencies continue to work to support children and families to provide safety for children who find themselves subject to abuse. Tusla issues guidance to its staff to assist with responding to specific matters of concern including ritual abuse.

Officials in my Department are working with the Department of Justice on child human trafficking and child exploitation. My Department and Tusla have met with An Garda Síochána on child human trafficking and labour exploitation and the implementation of the National Referral Mechanism under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 places the identification and protection of victims of human trafficking on statutory footing and expands the number of bodies that can identify a victim beyond An Garda Síochána.