Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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333. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth her views on the use by Tusla of a residential property at a location (details supplied) to accommodate minors; and to detail what engagement with residents took place prior to this facility opening. [26536/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Tusla has informed my Department that its Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) Service is currently providing accommodation under a Special Emergency Arrangement (SEA) to children in this location. Tusla has further advised that a member of its staff met with residents at this location on the 2nd May 2025. The member of staff answered queries on the purpose and use of the property and provided a contact number should the residents have further queries.

Tusla has indicated that it is facing significant and ongoing challenges in sourcing appropriate placements for children in the care of the State. When residential care and foster care are unavailable, an SEA is used to ensure an immediate place of safety. Where children are placed in an SEA, regular reviews are required and a child may only be placed in an SEA if it is judged to be the most suitable placement available at the time. All efforts are made by Tusla to move children from SEAs and into mainstream alternative care placements as quickly as possible.

Tusla has informed my Department that it intends to end this arrangement on the 27th May 2025, and has no plans to use this location in the future.