Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2021
135. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 174 and 175 of 10 November 2021, if he will detail the causes of death in the cases of the 164 children who died while living at home but who were known to child protection services between the years of 2010 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56205/21]
View answerThe National Review Panel (NRP) undertakes reviews of the deaths or significant incidents of children who are known to Child Protection Services, are in care or are young adults who were in care. Each case represents a tragedy, whether the death was anticipated or unexpected and leaves behind families, foster carers and staff who grieve for the child or young adult.
Since 2010, the single largest category of deaths reported to the NRP, approximately 40%, was attributed to natural causes, many of which were anticipated. Roughly a quarter of deaths reported to the NRP were attributed to suicide. Of these cases, some had been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) as a result of identified mental health difficulties and suicidal ideation.
I have requested that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the specific information as sought in this Parliamentary Question.
