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Departmental Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022

Thursday, 7 April 2022

Ceisteanna (331)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

331. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address concerns raised by a service (details supplied) in respect of a recent tender decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18916/22]

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Freagraí scríofa

The company in question provides therapeutic and individualised residential care to young people in the care of the State and to adults with intellectual disabilities. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, remain engaged in a tendering process with the provider and as such, the Deputy will appreciate that Tusla is not in a position to share detailed information. I understand that Tusla communicated the initial results of the tender process to applicants on 24th March, following a careful evaluation against the specifications outlined in the pre-published tender criteria. Tusla has stated that it will no longer be processing any new residential placements with those applicants who were not successful in the recent tender application. I also understand that the provider subsequently informed Tusla of its decision to close 7 centres, commencing Monday 25th April. Currently there are 10 young people resident in these centres who will require a placement within residential services.Both Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are committed to promoting safe and high quality practice in all areas of alternative care. This is achieved through the application of Regulations and Standards that govern the placement of children, as well as Tusla’s operation of robust and independent procurement processes where care arrangements are commissioned from private organisations such as the provider in question.Tusla has confirmed to my Department that it has engaged with the provider with the primary aim of minimising any disruption to the young people currently placed within these services. I understand Tusla will be urgently and carefully assessing each of those pre-existing placements and will take all necessary action in the best interest of the young person(s).In all instances the best interests of those children in the care of the State must remain the paramount concern.

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