Written answers

Monday, 8 September 2025

Department of Children, Disability and Equality

Child and Family Agency

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1935. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the definition applied by Tusla in classifying a case as “medium priority”; if she is satisfied that the current system of prioritisation adequately protects children in situations where there are repeated referrals or escalating risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45547/25]

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1936. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average waiting times for the allocation of child protection cases across each Tusla area, with particular reference to Dublin South Central, and if she will provide comparative figures for 2023 and 2024. [45548/25]

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1937. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the specific measures introduced by Tusla that have reduced the percentage of unallocated cases in Dublin south central from 54 per cent in February 2024 to 34 per cent at the time of the HIQA inspection; and if she will confirm whether those measures are being applied nationally. [45549/25]

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1939. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the interim supports, therapeutic or otherwise, that are made available to children at risk of sexual abuse in circumstances where case allocation is delayed; and if she will confirm whether there are protocols in place to ensure that no child goes without support during a prolonged waiting period. [45551/25]

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1940. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the compliance timelines and performance metrics that have been agreed with Tusla following the recent HIQA inspection in Dublin South Central; and if she will confirm how the Department is monitoring delivery against those commitments. [45552/25]

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1941. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department intends to introduce mandatory reassessment triggers, for example, automatic re-prioritisation following a second referral, in order to ensure that escalating risks to children are addressed without undue delay. [45553/25]

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1942. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the details of the training and continuous professional development provided to Tusla frontline staff to assist them in identifying and responding to risks of sexual abuse; the adequacy of current provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45554/25]

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1943. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her views on the findings of HIQA that children at risk of sexual abuse in Dublin south central were not receiving timely safety planning or therapeutic support; and the reforms being prioritised within her Department to address this systemic failure. [45555/25]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1935, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942 and 1943 together.

Statutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

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