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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

EirGrid legislation and Tusla concerns

Summary

Deputy McGrath seeks progress on EirGrid legislation and raises allegations concerning Tusla’s treatment of families. The Tánaiste says preparatory work is under way and directs specific concerns to the responsible Minister.

I wish to refer to two items of legislation, the first of which is the EirGrid Bill. Communities in my area in the south east are very concerned about overhead pylons and they want to know when there will be legislation.

We passed a referendum recently on children's rights, and we also passed the Children First Bill. I have been inundated with calls from around the country from people who are concerned about the behaviour of Tusla. They are only allegations. I ask that the Minister for Children deal with this and conduct a review. In years to come it will be too late if this is not addressed. There are huge tribunals and investigations, and there are many concerns about the way Tusla-----

Comment on this

Perhaps the Deputy will have a discussion with the Minister.

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I will, indeed. I refer to the behaviour of Tusla in respect of certain families.

Comment on this

We are very tight on time.

Comment on this

Preliminary work is being done in the Department on the EirGrid legislation.

Tusla is doing very important work. If the Deputy has any particular concerns in regard to it, he should feel free to correspond with the appropriate Minister. He did oppose the referendum on children-----

Comment on this

I did, and maybe I had good reason.

Comment on this

Very important powers have been given to Tusla to protect children as a result of that referendum.

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