Minister considers independent probe on local child welfare files

Around 700 previously unidentified files relating to child welfare in the Laois/Offaly have been discovered by Tusla.

The Child and Family Agency is conducting a comprehensive review of all 700 files which is due to be completed by Friday, May 8.

Tusla said a further 822 unacknowledged garda referrals were also discovered and a review has been commissioned to ascertain if the referrals were acted on.

The revealtion prompted a statement from Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr James Reilly. He said “I will consider, in due course, if an independent investigation is warranted into this matter, including the circumstances that gave rise to the unassessed backlog of referrals and to include the lessons to be learned to ensure that such a situation is not repeated. My view as to the seriousness of the issue is shared by Tusla. I have requested Tusla to expedite its examination of the various issues as a priority”.

The IMPACT trade union, which represents social workers, has welcomed today’s statement by the Minister Reilly. The union also welcomed the Minister’s decision to commence and national audit of all known cases awaiting allocation to a social worker, and the allocation of additional social work staff to respond to calls from anyone with a child protection concern about a child in the area.

IMPACT said it has consistently raised its concerns about the provision of resources to deliver a quality service at Tusla, and about delays in filling social worker posts at the agency. The union has claimed that these delays have contributed to the current situation.

No social worker wants to see a waiting list building up when they know that each individual case potentially involves a child at risk, IMPACT said.

IMPACT trade union, which represents social workers throughout the country, will lend its full support to the national audit.

Any member of the public who has a concern about a child in Laois and Offaly can call Tusla’s dedicated helpline on 044 9395020.