News

Today’s report from the Health Information and Quality Authority lays bare Tusla’s inability to deliver on its mission to protect vulnerable children and young people, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “When children are telling inspectors that their life has gotten worse since coming into care, you have to question […]

Online games and platforms marketed towards children which do not uphold child protection standards must be blocked until they can demonstrate compliance, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “A senior garda from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau has warned that children are being groomed and exploited on online gaming […]

A lack of resources in Tusla is continuing to endanger children, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The new HIQA report is yet another alarm bell that is loudly ringing about inadequate services at Tusla posing risks to children. “It has revealed that it took the agency more than six […]

Despite report after report painting a dire picture of conditions in our care system, the Minister for Children has repeatedly failed to take action, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The severe shortage of special care unit beds is putting the lives of children in danger, and has been for […]

TUSLA has been told on countless occasions that Special Emergency Arrangements for unaccompanied children are inappropriate and present serious risks, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “My thoughts are with the family of Vadym Davydenko, the Ukrainian teenager who died tragically in Donaghmede on Wednesday. A Garda investigation is now […]

The State must recognise and act on the Ombudsman for Children’s call for the National Review Panel to be put on a statutory footing, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. The National Review Panel (NRP) investigates serious incidents including the deaths of children in care or known to the child protection system. Deputy […]

Tusla is no longer fit for purpose and needs root-and-branch reform, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Year after year, government after government, Tusla has never been empowered to cope with the demand for child protection and welfare referrals. This negligence is a government choice. “Annual referrals have more than […]

The government must stop breaking the law when it comes to protecting vulnerable children and act on the latest report recommending reform of the care system, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “An external review of special care commissioned by Tusla has found that the […]