Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2025
1069. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the process currently being undertaken to review Tusla’s management of the case of a missing child in Donabate; the way in which the independence and effectiveness of that review will be assured; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48222/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1071. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures that are in place to ensure that any recommendations arising from the independent review of Tusla’s management of the case of the missing child in Donabate are acted upon promptly; the way in which accountability for implementation will be monitored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48224/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1069 and 1071 together.
I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which is of the deepest concern to myself and the Government. My Department was notified by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, of this case on the 1st of September, in full accordance with established protocols. Since that time, my Department has maintained close and ongoing contact with the Agency.
As the Deputy will be aware, this case is the subject of an active and ongoing investigation by An Garda Síochána. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment on any specific details that could, even inadvertently, prejudice that vital investigation.
Tusla has initiated a rapid review of its own engagement with the family in this case.
Furthermore, I have requested that the independent National Review Panel prioritise a review of this case. This review will examine the nature and extent of any engagement the child and his family had with all relevant State services, including health, social, and educational services. The National Review Panel has an independent Chair and operates with full independence, including its own legal advice, to ensure its findings are objective and factual.
Separately, and as a broader point of policy, I have also asked Tusla to conduct a wider follow-on review focused on cases that were closed to child protection services during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. My Department is currently liaising with Tusla on the legal basis and scoping of this process.
Our collective focus must remain on supporting the work of An Garda Síochána’s investigation and identifying learnings to enhance the State’s services supporting vulnerable children and their families.
