Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2021
174. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who died by suicide or suspected suicide over the past ten years in the State who had previously engaged with Tusla or whom Tusla had identified as at risk; and the number of persons in State care that over the course of the past ten years took their own lives or attempted to take their own lives. [54861/21]
View answer175. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children who died while in the care of the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021; and the details of the cause of death or suspected cause of death in each case. [54863/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The National Review Panel (NRP) for the investigation of serious incidents, including the deaths of children in care and aftercare, and known to the child protection services, was set up in 2010 as part of the Implementation Plan associated with the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (2009) (Ryan Report). The NRP does not review deaths of adults (other than young adults in aftercare) who may have been known to Tusla.
The NRP is independent in the performance of its functions, making findings of fact and producing reports that are objective and independent of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Since 2010 the NRP has published 10 Annual Review Reports summaries of which are available at: www.nationalreviewpanel.ie. The NRP’s 11th Annual Review Report (2020) is due for publication in the near future.
Table 1 at the following link provides a summary of causes of death of children and young people in care between 2010 and 2019:
Table 2 below illustrates the care status of children whose deaths were notified between 2010 and 2019:
|
Year |
In care of the Health Service Executive / Tusla |
In aftercare / in care immediately prior to 18th birthday or in receipt of aftercare service and under 21 |
Living at home and known to child protection services |
Total |
|
2010 |
2 |
4 |
16 |
22 |
|
2011 |
2 |
2 |
11 |
15 |
|
2012 |
3 |
2 |
18 |
23 |
|
2013 |
3 |
1 |
13 |
17 |
|
2014 |
3 |
4 |
19 |
26 |
|
2015 |
3 |
2 |
16 |
21 |
|
2016 |
1 |
1 |
23 |
25 |
|
2017 |
5 |
0 |
17 |
22 |
|
2018 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
13 |
|
2019 |
2 |
0 |
20 |
22 |
