Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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54. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will detail the function and purpose of the National Review Panel, which conducts reviews into the deaths of children in State care. [49648/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The National Review Panel (NRP) conducts reviews of child deaths and serious incidents, where the child is in care or is known to Tusla.

I can inform the Deputy that the NRP is independent in the performance of its functions, making findings of fact and producing reports that are objective and independent of Tusla. The NRP produces reports that are factually based and identify points of learning to improve services provided to children and families.

Officials from this Department regularly review NRP reports from the context of analysing the quality of services provided directly or indirectly by Tusla to the child or young person concerned. In some instances, follow-up with Tusla may be required. Where this is deemed necessary it can include requests for a written response from Tusla, or a meeting with Tusla officials. Additionally, I can inform the Deputy that NRP reports are reviewed by my officials in the context of driving change and identifying learning and good practice across both Alternative Care and Child Protection and Welfare services.

Where the NRP makes recommendations which fall outside the remit of both this Department and Tusla, officials ensure that these recommendations are brought to the attention of the appropriate departments or agencies across Government for their attention.

While the final decision to publish NRP reports ordinarily rests with Tusla, a number of factors are considered in this regard, including the professional judgment of the the NRP members undertaking the review and the wishes of the family members of the child.

Finally, I welcome the commitment under the current Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, to establish a National Child Death Review Mechanism on a statutory basis. I can assure the Deputy that officials in the DCDE and I will proactively engage with the nominated lead department responsible for the delivery of a National Child Death Review Mechanism.