Committee of Public Accounts to examine 2022 Financial Statements of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency

The meeting at 9.30am in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will be joined by the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr Seamus McCarthy, and officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

During the afternoon session, beginning at 1.30pm, the Committee will consider correspondence and other business of the Committee.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Brian Stanley said: “The Child and Family Agency, also known as Tusla, is the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children. Tusla operates under the aegis of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and in 2022 received €917million, or 95 per cent of its €961 million State funding, through the Department.

“Key issues for the Committee include implementation of Tusla’s reform programme, increased demand for child welfare and protection services including unaccompanied child refugee cases, the ability to recruit and retain foster care and aftercare services, inspection of early years services, and resource management and IT security.

“The Committee is also interested in the Sláintecare Healthy Communities parenting programmes in which Tusla is a key partner. These programmes provide increased health and wellbeing services in 19 of the most disadvantaged community areas across Ireland and are provided to families with children aged up to 12 years, who do not meet the current threshold for support and therapeutic intervention.

“Members welcome this engagement with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and look forward to examining its 2022 Financial Statements and related matters with Ms Duggan and her colleagues and the Department officials.”

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

PAC is a standing committee of Dáil Éireann which focuses on ensuring public services are run efficiently and achieve value for money. Further information on the role and remit of the Committee can be found here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.