Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1525. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the person that has been arrested for a murder (details supplied), was an adult at the time of the alleged killing; if so, the reason they were located in a Tusla run residence; and the reason child protect guidelines were not in place.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58883/25]

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

My thoughts remain with the victim as well as the family, friends, and staff affected by the tragic incident which occurred on Wednesday 15th October in Dublin.

An Garda Síochána continue to conduct a full investigation, and in order to allow that process to proceed without interference, and to protect the privacy of those involved, it is not possible to comment further on the specifics of this case.

Tusla has advised that its immediate priority is the safety and wellbeing of the other young people and staff at the residential unit. Tusla is providing additional supports to all young people and staff directly affected and Tusla has advised that it is contacting the families of the young people who were residing at the location.

Where children are placed in Special Emergency Arrangements, Tusla has a number of safeguards in place, including Standard Operating Procedures for these placements, which detail extensive checks that any prospective SEA provider must adhere to, including records management and staff vetting.

All SEA providers are vetted by Tusla’s Central Compliance Unit to ensure that Garda vetting and appropriate qualifications are in order before any child is placed with a prospective provider.

Young people in SEAs are visited weekly by a social worker or delegated person to have their voice heard and check on the care being provided.

Tusla’s Alternative Care Inspection and Monitoring Service (ACIMS) is responsible for the registration and inspection of non-statutory (private and voluntary) children’s residential centres. On this basis it is a requirement that SEA service providers must apply for registration for their respective services with ACIMS.

To further reduce the number of children placed in SEAs Tusla’s Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) service has commissioned 9 new Emergency Intake Units with 72 placements as of 13th October with further discussions with existing approved providers to expand Emergency Intake Units placements.

I can also advise that the circumstances of this incident will be reviewed by the National Review Panel, where this points you have raised will be examined.

I must reiterate that it is vital that we allow An Garda Síochána the time and space to conduct a full investigation into this matter.