Tusla Media Statement

Due to Data Protection and Constitutional rights, Tusla is prohibited from commenting on the detail of individual cases. Tusla also has a responsibility to protect the privacy and wellbeing of the children and families with whom we work.

Taking an overall view of this situation, however, it is clear to us that mistakes have been made. On this basis, we have commenced an internal review and will cooperate fully with any Commission of Inquiry if requested.

Although we cannot comment on the details of this individual case, we can confirm that we are in the process of apologising fully to the individual involved.

It is important to note that when we receive allegations from a child – or from an adult reflecting on when they were a child – that we are obliged to carry out a complete assessment. We also accept that because of the nature and complexity of these situations, the systems and processes involved in doing this need to be extremely robust. In this case, it appears there were some failures and these are the subject of our internal review, the conclusions of which will be made public.

Tusla regrets that this situation has arisen and deeply apologises for distress caused. It does not reflect the high standards that we hold ourselves to and we want to assure the public that we will take whatever steps are required to ensure that nothing like this happens again.