I thank the Deputy. Childminders are a hugely important part of early learning and care and school-age childcare provision and they continue to be the option of choice for many families. The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of regulation to childminders. A singular objective of the national action plan is to enable parents who use childminders to benefit from State subsidies through the national childcare scheme. The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides a statutory basis for the national childcare scheme, specifies that only Tusla-registered childminders are eligible to participate in the scheme. The limitation of public funding schemes to Tusla-registered providers helps to ensure public funding is provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision. It must be noted that childminding regulations only came into effect in September 2024, with a statutory transition period of three years ending in September 2027. Registration is therefore not mandatory until the end of this transition period. This phased approach aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for childminders to learn about and prepare for registration. The childminding-specific regulations are designed to be proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work. The regulations differ substantially from regulations for centre-based childcare. While the Department has successfully completed phase 1 of the national action plan, considerable work lies ahead during phase 2 in supporting the large number of unregistered childminders to register with Tusla and take part in the national childcare scheme before the end of the transition period, in County Clare and right around the country. I fully understand the sense of uncertainty and anxiety childminders may be experiencing in this period of transition. Communication is essential to overcoming this. A national communications strategy is a key element in phase 2 of the national action plan during the transition period we are now in. Work on this communications strategy has begun with the aim of informing childminders and parents about the changes, the supports available and what to expect. The Department has committed to a review of the initial implementation of the childminding-specific regulations in phase 2 also. I aim to meet Childminding Ireland on a one-to-one basis before the review of the regulations commences.
Sentiment score: 0.21
I thank the Deputy. I acknowledge that the issue of childminders and registration and the challenges they might face has been consistently raised in this Chamber. I do not wish to be repetitive but I will say again that I absolutely acknowledge that childminders are an incredibly important and valuable resource in the whole sphere of the childcare sector and I want them to continue in the business. I have to ensure they are regulated and, as has been said, I do not think any childminders are opposed to that. However, it is an important element of child safeguarding. There will be a review - I spoke about it earlier - as early as possible in 2026. That will be important for engagement. I have also given a commitment that I will meet Childminding Ireland before that review commences. Yesterday, I published Shaping the Future: Early Years Action Plan. The action plan commits to restructuring the core funding pilot for registered childminders in 2026 - in other words, a number of childminders in the pilot are part of the core funding process. That will also be restructured going forward to bring more and more into it. That is my ambition anyway. I am committed to continuing to work with childminders to make it as easy and accessible as possible for them to come within the regulations.
Sentiment score: 0.28
I appreciate that the Deputy has come with many positive suggestions for how we can collaboratively support childminders going forward. Already the Department provides funding to each of the county and city childcare committees so that there is a specific individual who is a childminding development officer in place in each of the committees to work directly with childminders. That is an important access point for childminders and it will be drawn upon more and more. I have already outlined a stronger communication campaign which we are in the process of undertaking. We will do all we can - and I appreciate the many examples the Deputy gave - to ensure the maximum number of people are engaging on a consistent basis before 2027. It is a feature of life that there is always a rush towards the end and I absolutely accept that it would be better if there were a consistent registration so we will continue to work on that. I appreciate the Deputy's input.
Sentiment score: 0.47
The HIQA inspection was carried out between 24 June and 30 June 2025. The inspection was a monitoring inspection of the Dublin north child protection and welfare service to assess the progress made on the actions identified to address non-compliance during the previous inspection in May 2024. The inspection identified that significant system risks previously escalated to the Tusla regional chief officer following the April 2024 inspection had not been addressed, and required escalation to the Tusla national office following this inspection. In this inspection, HIQA found that of the five standards assessed for compliance with the national standards for protection and welfare of children, all five standards were deemed to be non-compliant. The HIQA findings from its inspection of Tusla’s Dublin north city service area have been escalated within the Department. Tusla has submitted an action plan to address all areas outlined for improvement as a matter of urgency. This plan was accepted by HIQA. Since the inspection, Tusla has made significant improvements and rectified almost all areas highlighted by HIQA, with any remaining actions being addressed as a matter of priority. To oversee the implementation of this compliance plan, Tusla has established a child protection and welfare governance implementation group, which meets weekly. Following the inspection in June 2025, Tusla’s practice assurance and service monitoring team completed a 12-month, full audit of child-in-care referrals categorised as abuse. This was to ensure that screening, assessment and notifications were completed as required. Tusla has increased the number of social workers at the front door of the service from three to eight and 94% of child protection and welfare referrals in Dublin north city are now screened within two working days. In relation to staffing shortages noted in the inspection report, Tusla is currently reviewing administrative capacity in the service area to ensure staff are being utilised effectively and to identify areas for improvement. The agency continues to move to a more multidisciplinary way of working to address challenges in recruiting a sufficient number of social workers from a very competitive and limited market. Since the inspection, Tusla has also undertaken a review of the governance structure and oversight processes in the service area relating to the receipt and management of referrals and case allocation in accordance with relevant policy, procedures and guidance.
Sentiment score: 0.19
I accept that there is and was incredible urgency to ensure matters were rectified as a matter of priority. I acknowledge the work of Tusla in that respect. It has increased the number of social workers and 94% of all cases are now seen within two days. There is very strong oversight of the operation. The Dublin north city area team, with support from Tusla’s regional and national teams, has worked diligently in an incredibly challenging environment to make significant improvements and rectify almost all areas highlighted by HIQA. Plans are in place to address any outstanding items and Tusla has been in close communication with HIQA during the implementation of the compliance plan. It is really important that HIQA is kept in the loop. Concerning Tusla more generally, budget 2026 saw Tusla receive increased funding of €165 million to continue providing vital child welfare and family support services, bringing its funding up by 14% to €1.37 billion.
Sentiment score: 0.55
To go back to the case highlighted, in the intervening time, it has to be an absolute priority. I welcome the HIQA report because where things are not right, it must be highlighted and rectified. Tusla submitted the action plan which was accepted by HIQA. Since the time of inspection, Tusla has made significant improvements and rectified almost all of the issues, for example, 94% of all cases are now screened within two days. That is really important. I do not take from the challenges and I appreciate that Deputy Kerrane has acknowledged the very strong work ethic of really good people on the ground dealing with very changed, different and challenging circumstances. I acknowledge that work as well. New oversight has been put in place. Resources were referenced by Deputy McGuinness. Resources for Tusla have increased significantly to €1.37 billion, a significant uplift which Tusla itself has acknowledged. In terms of attracting staff, there are new schemes such as earn and learn for social workers and recruitment from abroad. More will be done in this area going forward.
Sentiment score: 0.30
The special rapporteur on child protection plays an important role in examining and reporting to Government on legal, legislative and litigation-related matters in respect of child protection. The annual reports of the special rapporteur provide important input to the development and review of child protection policy and legislation as well as an objective and independent expert view of the child protection system in Ireland. The reports have been influential in informing policy responses across government to improve the lives of children and young people. The Department has not yet received any annual report or part of any report in respect of the current term of the special rapporteur on child protection. Department officials are engaging on an ongoing basis with the special rapporteur on the matter of the submission of the annual reports prior to the completion of the rapporteur's term of office on 31 January 2026. The special rapporteur has indicated that she expects to submit a report in respect of the period 1 February 2023 to 31 December 2024 imminently. She has indicated that this report will also include her observations and important developments from July 2022 to January 2023, before her term of office commenced. The special rapporteur has also indicated that an annual report in respect of 2025 will be delivered by the end of March 2026. The annual reports of previous special rapporteurs have tended to cover a wide range of policy areas and certain commentary and recommendations relating to several Departments and agencies. Once submitted, a copy of the report will be provided to all relevant Departments for appropriate review. On completion of this review process, I will submit the report to Cabinet for approval to publish. Once approved, the report will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published on the Department's website. With the end of the current term of the special rapporteur approaching, I recently secured Cabinet approval to fill the position of the next special rapporteur on child protection for a two-year term. It is my intention to progress the selection of the nominee for the position by way of an open competition run in conjunction with publicjobs.ie as soon as possible.
Sentiment score: 0.57
I thank the Deputy. I want to be clear. I acknowledge the work of the special rapporteur. I have engaged with her and she has made herself available. I acknowledge that there has been considerable engagement between the Department and the special rapporteur on making the reports available in a timely manner. The special rapporteur has indicated that she expects to submit her report for the period February 2023 to December 2024 imminently. She has indicated that the report will include observations on a period in which she was not in office, namely the period from July 2022 to January 2023. She has also indicated that an annual report in respect of 2025 will be delivered by the end of March 2026.
Sentiment score: 0.40
Again, I appreciate the Deputy raising of the question. I accept the word of the special rapporteur that she will present the report for February 2023 to December 2024 imminently and that she will furnish the report for the period July 2022 to January 2023 before the end of her term of office. The annual report for 2025 will be delivered in March 2026. I expect that will be done with priority.
Sentiment score: 0.26
I appreciate the Deputy raising this matter. Any case of a missing child is of enormous concern to the Government, everybody in this House and others across wider society. I know he agrees with me on that. We are always conscious that at the heart of this case is a young child. All of us, including the general public, are devastated that a young child could go missing for such a long time. The NRP delivered its report on the review of the Kyran Durnin case to the Department on 29 October last. I have been clear in my wish to publish the report in full on its completion. However, I was also clear at the outset that I would seek the advice and expert legal opinion of the Attorney General. I have done that. The Attorney General has determined that it would not be possible to publish the report at this time given the potential to prejudice any potential prosecutions. It may be possible to publish the report in the future, depending on the advice of the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions. What was agreed on foot of the advice of the Attorney General was that the recommendations in the report would be published in full, and that was done on 3 December. Implementation of these recommendations falls to a number of Departments and agencies. They cover several areas, for example, tracking pupil movement between primary schools, including cross-border movement; a review of GDPR and network checking; guidance to social workers; the development of procedures for waiting list management; the development of a framework for quality assurance monitoring and review; outcome measurement for family support provider agencies; and a review of the Tusla–An Garda Síochána protocol. The Attorney General recommended that the full NRP report be shared with the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Naughton. It has been shared with her. The Department is engaging with the relevant Departments and agencies, including Tusla, on the implementation of the recommendations relevant to them. Tusla has already commenced the process of implementing the recommendations under its remit. I am clear that the implementation of the recommendations should be completed as soon as possible. I have recently introduced a Bill updating and modernising the Child Care Act, which provides the foundation for child protection and welfare services in the State. This will strengthen the child protection legal framework and the powers available to Tusla. Key child protection features include the introduction of a duty to co-operate among bodies.
Sentiment score: 0.18
The Deputy alluded to some of the new measures we will be introducing under amendments to the Child Care Act. A duty to co-operate will be introduced. This is important and it will mean there will be a compelling duty on all relevant bodies dealing with children, including Tusla and Departments, to co-operate proactively in performing their existing functions relevant to the development, welfare and protection of children. With the new duty to co-operate, there will be a clear basis for the sharing of information between agencies and organisations when working together on child protection and child welfare matters. I am referring to the sharing of information around the table in the best interest of children so as to protect them. I will also be introducing amendments to the Child Care Act to place the NRP on a statutory footing. The Deputy and so many others were keen for us to do this. This measure will further enhance the work of the NRP in addition to strengthening its independence and ability to compel information and witnesses in respect of all reviews it undertakes. I acknowledge the work of the NRP.
Sentiment score: 0.46
I acknowledge that those in Tusla, the Department and all the agencies who work with children are absolutely central to protecting vulnerable children and are doing excellent work individually. However, the purpose of the duty to co-operate is that collectively there will be the sharing of information the Deputy referenced, everybody will be around the one table as it were and there will be a strong sense of partnership across State agencies to ensure that everyone is fully engaged with and aware of the role they play in protecting children from harm. The Deputy specifically referenced North-South co-operation. Although it is a matter for the Department of Education and Youth, I am aware of very extensive North-South engagement on that. It is an issue I have discussed with the North's Minister for Education, Paul Givan, on a number of occasions and the work there is very advanced. All the recommendations that have been outlined have been shared with each of the Departments and agencies concerned. It is a matter of priority for them to be put in place. As I said, the work with Tusla is under way. A considerable uplift in the funding of €1.37 billion has been provided for Tusla in the budget this year, and significant work is under way on recruitment of staff.
Sentiment score: 0.31
This is very similar to the issue raised by the Deputy's colleague. I reiterate that any case relating to a missing child is of enormous concern to all of us and is a priority for all of us because we know that at the heart of it is a child and child welfare. All of us share in the sense of devastation and loss that a child could be missing for such a long time. The national review panel delivered its report on the review of the Kyran Durnin case on 29 October. I was always clear that it was my personal wish that the details would only be published if it were not to the detriment of an ongoing Garda investigation and that I would seek the advice and wisdom of the expert legal authority, the Attorney General. On seeking that advice, the Attorney General recommended or determined that it would not be possible at this particular time, given the ongoing Garda investigation, to publish the report in full because it had the potential to prejudice any future potential prosecutions. He has also said that it may be possible to publish the report at a future date but that would obviously be on the advice of the Attorney General and the DPP. What has been agreed on foot of the Attorney General's advice is that the recommendations in the report would be published. As I have said, they were published on 3 December. The recommendations fall to a number of different Departments and agencies to implement. As Deputy Ó Murchú outlined, they involve: the tracking of pupil movements North and South; review of GDPR; guidance to social workers; development of procedures for wait-list management; development of a framework for quality assurance, monitoring and review, and outcome measurement for family support provider agencies; and review of the Tusla and Garda Síochána protocol. The Department is engaging with all the relevant Departments and Government agencies, including Tusla, on the implementation of the recommendations relevant to them. I can confirm to the House that Tusla has already commenced the process to implement the recommendations that come under its remit. I am clear that the implementation of the recommendations should be completed as soon as possible and that has been advised to all the Departments and agencies involved.
Sentiment score: 0.11
The recommendations were issued on 3 December. There has been a genuine willingness from all the Departments and agencies to move with haste and priority, but also to do it right. I chaired a cross-departmental meeting on moving forward with the sharing of information and ensuring that this duty to co-operate can very much come into being. Outside of the work under way in the Department, that interdepartmental group is seeking opportunities for the sharing of information that one Department has and where there might be gaps in another Department. I have brought forward the Bill to update and modernise the Child Care Act. Some of the key provisions will include the introduction of the duty to co-operate with all the relevant bodies. It will also include a clear basis for the sharing of information between agencies and organisations where they work together on child protection and child welfare matters. I will also bring forward the amendment, which is important from the NRP point of view, to put it on a statutory footing. All of that is being done as a matter of priority.
Sentiment score: 0.31
These recommendations were published on 3 December. From a legislative point of view, it is being given priority through my Department's work on the child care (amendment) Bill, which we move very rapidly through the House. I know that there will be very strong co-operation forthcoming from the Deputy and right across the House. We will continue to engage with all the Government agencies and Departments involved. Implementation of some of the recommendations is well advanced. In particular I am conscious of the Department of Education and Youth's North-South initiative because I have engaged in that myself. We will continue to ensure that these will be delivered as a matter of priority. It is important to recognise that some of the recommendations may be more complex than others but they will all be given priority.
Sentiment score: 0.35
Happy Christmas from all of us. Thank you for everything.
Sentiment score: 0.47