Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
669. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children that Tusla is accommodating in hotels; the ages of each child; the number of children that it is accommodating in unregulated accommodation; the ages of each child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37564/22]
View answerTusla is committed to ensuring that all children and young people who can no longer live with their parents or guardian at a particular time, are provided with a safe alternative care placement.
Tusla has advised that the number of children in state care in hotel and other emergency accommodation, each month varies for a number of reasons, some of which are multi-factorial in nature. Examples include a break-down in placements; lack of suitable placements; complexity of the young person’s needs, including psychological or mental health issues; criminality; substance abuse or concerns for their safety.
The operating environment for such placements is dynamic, and numbers fluctuate on a daily basis and detailed information is not easily available. However, on average between 9-11 young people are referred for such emergency placements per month.
Tusla has stated that ensuring that the children and young people in the care of Tusla are in the appropriate care placement, with the appropriate support services, is an enduring priority for Tusla, in order to enable the best possible outcomes for every child.
