Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
142. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children currently in State care in special emergency accommodation; the number of whom are unaccompanied minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8788/24]
View answerThe Deputy has sought information in relation to the number of children currently in State care in special emergency accommodation, including the number of whom are unaccompanied minors.
I am informed by Tusla that, as of the 18th of February, there are 176 children in Special Emergency arrangements (SEAs), and that 115 of these children are separated children seeking international protection or unaccompanied minors.
Tusla has indicated that it is facing significant and ongoing challenges in sourcing appropriate placements for children in the care of the State. This is due to a number of factors, including difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff, difficulties in maintaining the number of foster carers, the complexity of the presentation of some children presenting to Tusla, and the unprecedented number of Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) requiring Tusla services.
Tusla has also advised that referrals to the Agency increased by around 10% between 2022 and 2023, and are now standing at roughly 91,500.
Both Tusla and I as Minister share a common aim to meet the needs of all children in mainstream alternative care placements. Tusla, supported by my Department, are working to reduce reliance on SEAs. In the interim, specific measures are being taken to promote and support the quality and safety of these placements, and to reduce the cost of same. I and my Department are committed to continuing to provide whatever support to Tusla is necessary to address these challenges, and within the context of our respective roles.
In this regard, I have resourced Tusla to maintain and expand their services by securing additional funding as part of Budget 2024. This represents the single largest annual increase in core funding since Tusla’s establishment, and Tusla will receive over €1.1 billion in overall funding from my Department in 2024.
