‘Extraordinary’ number of referrals made to children’s agency last year

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Some 70,000 children were referred to the children’s agency Tusla in the first nine months of last year, the Dáil has been told.

Extrapolating on that figure, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said this meant it was likely that approximately 94,000 children would be referred throughout the entire year.

He said there had been a “shocking increase” in referrals to Tusla.

Speaking during Taoiseach’s Questions, Mr Tóibín said: “It’s 30,000 more than actually sat the Leaving Cert last year. It’s the equivalent population to all of the children of Meath and Westmeath being referred now on an annual basis. Incredibly high figures.

“Nearly 7,000 of those referrals were for physical abuse, 4,000 of those referrals were for sexual abuse, 4,000 of those referrals were for neglect, and 43,000 referrals were child welfare concerns.

“This is an issue that Aontu has been raising every single year. The number is ballooning out of all proportion.

“And actually, there is very little research, debate or discussion in this chamber in relation to what’s happening with our children across the country.

“Most of the referrals were made by guardians, social workers, teachers, but also probation officers, immigration officials, managers of direct provision centres, homeless accommodation and addiction councillors.

“I’m asking you Taoiseach, what is the Government going to do in relation to this? What extra resources are going to be invested into Tusla so they’re able to deal with the shocking increase in numbers?

“And will you meet with foster carers, the residential care sector and Epic (Empowering People in Care) to make sure there is proper investment in this area?”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin agreed that the number of referrals was an “extraordinary number”.

“I have to drill down behind the numbers in terms of context as well, but it’s very high,” he said.

“That’s a broader societal issue as well, and it shows the degree to which Tusla has an enormous workload – to put it charitably.”

He added that he would “give consideration” to meeting the groups raised by Mr Toibin, but added that he would prefer to see if Children’s Minister Norma Foley could “make progress” first.