92. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount of funding provided to each provider of special emergency arrangements in 2025; the amount of funding provided to each provider of mainstream residential care in 2025; the total amount of funding in State-owned provision of mainstream residential care in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13264/26]

Sentiment score: 0.26

The reason I am asking the Minister about this is that the Ombudsman for Children has raised concerns about the SEAs and their unregulation. Is she happy with the regulation of these SEAs, particularly the accommodation they offer? The accommodation can go from hotel rooms to apartments. As I said, this has been highlighted by the Ombudsman for Children. It is a serious concern for us all on this side of the House, as I am sure it is for the Minister. The question I have for her relates to the regulation of these premises and providers. Is she happy with what is being carried out by Tusla, given what we have heard on the major cases that have happened, unfortunately, in this State over the last number of months? It is a serious concern for many people. I hope she can clarify those concerns.

Sentiment score: 0.17

I thank the Minister. She mentioned that we would all strive for State-led accommodation. The money being spent on special emergency arrangements surely could be spent on State-led accommodation, whereby regulations would be reviewed more than regularly. My concern is over what “reviewed regularly” means. Is it monthly or weekly? My concern is shared by the Ombudsman for Children and many people I deal with. Have Tusla and the Department plans to move away once and for all from emergency accommodation provided by private operators and to use the money to build fit-for-purpose accommodation for those children who need it most? She might confirm what “reviewed regularly” means because we have had concerns. We have noted these concerns in the media and The Journal has reported very recently on its concern about children facing criminal damages in private accommodation. It is not on. We need to build State accommodation. I ask the Minister to confirm whether this is the plan of her Department.

Sentiment score: 0.00