Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
128. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he or his Department have engaged with Tusla to discuss the issues highlighted in reports (details supplied) of the alarming levels of exploitation being experienced by children in the agency’s care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31412/23]
View answerI welcome the ‘Scoping Study on the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People in Ireland’ conducted by UCD. The findings outlined in the report are alarming.
Since the report was published, my Department has been working closely with Tusla senior management on the matters raised in the report. My Department will prioritise a review of the findings of this scoping report and its recommendations urgently.
I also note a number of key developments by Tusla in this area in recent years including the introduction of its child sexual exploitation procedure and its continuing close liaision with An Garda Síochána, including having a Principal social worker based permanently with Garda National Protective Bureau services.
The study is an important piece of research into the sexual exploitation of children by potentially organised groups in our society. Close liaison into the study’s findings will take place by Tusla with An Garda Síochána. My Department Officials will also work with the Department of Justice to review the findings and recommendations of this report.
