Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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29. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps she is taking to ensure that there are no more deaths of children who have been under the care of Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50114/25]

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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58. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the engagement there has been with her Department, Tusla and other stakeholders in relation to two missing children (details supplied), to ensure that best practice exists and is operated in child protection services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50165/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 58 together.

The cases of Kyran Durnin and Daniel Aruebose are deeply concerning, and my sympathies remain with their families and all those affected by these tragic events.

As these matters are the subject of active, ongoing investigations by An Garda Síochána, who are liaising with Tusla, it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details. I urge anyone with relevant information to to come forward to assist the Gardaí with their vital work.

The Department is being kept apprised of all developments, and I am fully committed to implementing all necessary measures identified through the review processes associated with these two tragic cases to enhance child protection services.

The specific status of each case is as follows:

Regarding Kyran Durnin: Tusla has completed its Internal Rapid Review. In line with standard practice for highly sensitive personal information, such internal reviews are not published. However, it has been shared with the Department and has been made available to the independent National Review Panel (NRP), which has prioritised this case.

Regarding Daniel Aruebose: Tusla is currently finalising its internal rapid review, which I understand will be completed imminently. This will also be shared with the Department and the National Review Panel to assist its independent review of all State interactions with Daniel and his family.

Separately, and on a broader policy level, I have asked Tusla to conduct a wider wellbeing check review of cases closed to child protection services during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, specifically where there has been no further contact with the child since. This is a proactive measure to strengthen our systems and learn from the unique challenges of that period. I am pleased to confirm that this Review will be independently chaired by Ms. Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children's Rights Alliance. A Steering Group will also oversee Tusla’s wellbeing check review, and the final composition of the Steering Group will be decided in consultation with the Chair. The Steering Group is expected to include representatives from relevant Government departments, the HSE, Tusla, the community and voluntary sector, and independent social work professionals. Under the Chair’s leadership, the Steering Group will agree on terms of reference and a robust methodology for Tusla’s case review. Tusla will commit all necessary resources to conduct the review in line with these agreed parameters. While the detailed timeline will be shaped by the methodology, I will emphasise the importance of completing this work as soon as practicable, without compromising its thoroughness or integrity.

Tusla's wellbeing check review is a proactive measure to strengthen and support Ireland’s existing child protection systems, support the associated workforce and to learn from the unique challenges of the pandemic. It is a distinct and separate process from both the National Review Panel’s investigations and Tusla’s internal rapid reviews which are focussed specifically on the tragic cases of Kyran and Daniel.

Looking to the broader context, I will shortly bring forward a Bill to update and modernise the Child Care Act. This legislation will strengthen the legal framework for child protection, enhance Tusla's powers, and foster greater inter-agency cooperation. This follows an extensive consultation process, and I will remain open to constructive improvements as the Bill progresses through the Oireachtas.

Furthermore, at the recent North South Ministerial Council Health Sectoral meeting, I agreed a new North/South Child Protection Work Programme. This work programme includes actions on knowledge exchange; early identification and sharing of information on emerging complex child protection issues; and ongoing cross-border cooperation in relation to child welfare and protection.