Tusla statement in response to practice issues in Laois/Offaly

Gordon Jeyes, Chief Executive of Tusla – Child and Family Agency, says: “Tusla is committed to providing high quality services and to being open and accountable about those services, including when things go wrong.  The Agency can confirm that a number of previously unidentified files were discovered in the Laois/Offaly area following the implementation of Tusla’s new service delivery framework which is designed to improve services and accountability. 

“The Agency has advised the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and HIQA of the following: -

• Approximately 700 previously unidentified files:-  As an immediate action to address this issue a comprehensive review of all 700 files will be completed by Friday 8th May to ascertain which require further work by a social worker.
• 822 unacknowledged Garda referrals: - An immediate review has been commissioned of these 822 files to ascertain which have been acted upon.   Separately, the matter of future acknowledgement of receipt of referrals is addressed under current improvement of services.

“The safety of children is the priority.  It is important that Tusla as an organisation has the integrity to stand over its commitment to prioritise children. I am taking this matter very seriously and an investigation will be conducted, independent of the local management, by the Director of Quality Assurance.  Existing management and reporting processes will also be closely scrutinised as part of this review process.

“I am determined that Tusla will be an open, accountable and reforming organisation with staff who are strong in their commitment to children, courageous in identifying and addressing practice where it has been poor. The tradition of sweeping problems under the carpet has no place in modern Ireland.  Too many children were failed as a result of institutions who did not acknowledge and address failings.   I am strongly committed to supporting good practice and to addressing poor practice.”  

“Any member of the public who has a concern about a child in Laois and Offaly can call our helpline 044 9395020.”

-ENDS-

Media Queries:

Aoife Greene / Sharon Waters                     087 6348373