Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013
403. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children taken into care on a monthly basis in each of the past four years to date; the most commonly recognised reason given and sustained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48294/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the HSE that 2,372 children were taken into care in 2009, 2,105 children were taken into care in 2010 and 2,248 children were taken into care in 2011. A breakdown of this data is not available on a monthly basis.
There were 2,070 admissions to care in 2012. The primary reason for children to be admitted to care in 2012 were serious concerns of child welfare 53.9%, neglect 28.6%, physical abuse 8.4%, emotional abuse 7.4% and sexual abuse 1.7%. There is significant cross over between child welfare and neglect. Details of the reasons for admission to care in each of the years 2009-2011 is currently being collated and I will arrange for this to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
