Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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19. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the dates upon which she spoke to the CEO of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49647/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that both I and my Department have open lines of communication with the Chairperson of Tusla, its Board, its CEO, its Management Board and the broader organisation.

In addition to regular scheduled meetings that promote mutual understanding of operations and support sound governance and performance oversight of Tusla, we arrange meetings at short notice to address topical and important issues as they arise.

I had a series of phone calls with the CEO of Tusla in September and a meeting on 4 September 2025 to understand its position on the report of a missing child and to determine the steps needed to address this matter of great concern.

Prior to this I have had several meetings with the CEO of Tusla and with the Board.

On becoming Minister, I met with the CEO of Tusla on 19 February 2025. The CEO and I discussed a wide variety of issues including priorities going forward. The meeting provided a welcome opportunity to begin building a new relationship and to share our views on key matters for children and families in Ireland. On 21 February, I had a phone call with the CEO, and she updated me on important matters.

In addition to my regular communication with the CEO of Tusla, I am responsible for appointing the Chair of the Board and other Board members and they report directly to me on a regular basis. I meet with the Chair and the Chairs of the Board Committees of Tusla as a key element in my oversight of its performance. I met with them on the 7th of May. The CEO attended this meeting. I will be meeting with the Chairperson, Board members and CEO in the very near future.

As you may be aware, on an annual basis I produce my performance statement for Tusla and on a three year cycle a performance framework.

These are key bodies of work that allow me to give direction to Tusla and inform actions in their subsequent Business plan and Corporate Strategy respectively.

Also in place is a comprehensive Oversight Agreement that is currently being updated as well as a number of subgroups that the Department Officials attend as well as regular bilateral engagement.

I recognise the challenging work Tusla does and am eager to work with the Tusla Board and the CEO in further supporting and developing the Agency.