Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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154. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on actions taken since the remains of a child (details supplied) were found, including the actions taken by Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61492/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which is of the deepest concern to me and to this Government.

Both the Government and I are deeply saddened by this recent tragic case, and I extend my sympathy and thoughts to the families and loved ones of Daniel.

As the Deputy will be aware, this case is the subject of an active and ongoing investigation by An Garda Síochána. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment on any specific details that could, even inadvertently, prejudice that vital investigation.

Tusla has completed its own Internal Review. In accordance with standard practice, especially given the highly sensitive nature of the personal information involved and the on-going Garda investigation, internal reviews are not published. However, the Tusla rapid has been shared with National Review Panel, and this will assist the National Review Panel in its work. The Department will also be engaging with Tusla on the findings.

With regard to the Wellbeing Check, this will be overseen by a Steering Group, completely independent of Tusla.

The purpose of the Wellbeing Check is to proactively test and strengthen the current safety net the State provides for children’s welfare and protection, and to provide assurances about the welfare of vulnerable children.

The Wellbeing Check is focused on cases that were closed to child protection services during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and relates to cases where there has been no further contact with the child since.

The Wellbeing Check will be overseen by an independent Steering Group chaired by Tanya Ward, CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance.

The membership of the Steering Group is now finalised and includes representatives from my Department and the Departments of Social Protection; Health; Education and Youth; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; along with representatives from the Health Service Executive; Central Statistics Office; Tusla, Barnardos and an independent social work expert.

I can confirm that Phase 1 of the project is underway and a number of steps have been taken to date :

• A National Lead has been appointed and is developing a detailed methodology for the Wellbeing Project and finalising the project Terms of Reference. The National Lead will report into the Steering Group.
• A Wellbeing Check Project Team Manager has been appointed and is identifying and recruiting a team with the expertise required to implement robust and timely checks on all children and young people within the scope of the project.
• The Tusla Wellbeing Check Project Team and the resources required to complete the project will be finalised when the methodology and terms of reference has been agreed by the Wellbeing Check Steering Committee.
• A digital case management system is in place to support the work of the teams.
• Tusla has engaged with other Government Departments to explore opportunities for appropriate data sharing use to establish where the children encompassed by this review are currently or recently known to a relevant State service or State funded service.