Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1894. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will initiate an independent operational and financial review of Tusla in light of its reported €68 million budget overrun and a 30% year-on-year increase in demand for services; and if she will outline how her Department intends to ensure continuity of support for vulnerable children and families during this period of fiscal stress. [44935/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thank you, Deputy, for your question.

Tulsa’s role is to support and promote the development, welfare, education, and protection of children and young people. It is an organisation that operates in a very challenging and demand led environment. As an example, Tusla saw 96,666 child protection and welfare referrals in 2024: a 5% increase (4,742) since 2023 (91,924).

My Department continues to support Tusla in carrying out its functions. In Budget 2025 Tusla received a significant increase in funding of over €144 million, giving a total budget of over €1.2 billion. This is the third consecutive year, that total Tusla funding will be over €1 billion. I am dedicated to ensuring the continuity of support for vulnerable children as can be witnessed in the year on year increase in the funding provided to Tusla.

I have no plans to appoint an independent external review of Tusla’s financial and operational governance. I would ask the Deputy to note that my Department keeps the governance and finance of Tusla under ongoing review.

In line with its founding legislation and the provisions of the Code of Practice for the governance of State Bodies, it is a matter for Tusla to manage any cost pressures arising within overall available resources and to determine the best approach to minimising cost overruns. Tusla should manage within available resources in 2025.