Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1140. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is concerned by the duration that children are spending in special emergency arrangements, as outlined in reports in a newspaper (details supplied); if his Department believes there should be the maximum duration any child should spend in such an arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14727/24]
View answerI am advised by Tusla that its procedures ensure Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs) are only utilised where no alternative placement is available and that children are moved on from SEAs as soon as a suitable mainstream placement becomes available. However, Tusla has also indicated that it is facing significant and ongoing challenges in sourcing appropriate placements for children.
I and my Department are aware of these challenges, and those outlined in the article, and are committed to continuing to provide whatever support to Tusla is necessary to address these challenges. Both Tusla and I share a common aim to meet the needs of all children in mainstream alternative care placements, to reduce reliance on SEAs and to minimise the length of time spent by any individual child in an SEA.
