Positive Care jobs and services
Deputy Sherlock raised the risk that Positive Care would go out of business, threatening up to 240 jobs and residential services for vulnerable young people. The Minister said Tusla was engaging to ensure a care plan for affected children and that procurement rules had not been met.
I have just received notification this very minute that a company, Positive Care, which provides residential services for young people, is to be put out of business with the loss of up to 240 jobs. The company provides residential services for vulnerable young people in up to 25 facilities, as I understand it. I appreciate that I am inquiring with the Taoiseach about this matter at very short notice, but I ask him to make himself aware of what is happening. It is very serious for the provision of services for young, vulnerable people, especially those who are in residential care. The loss of this service provider represents a massive blow to the capability of this country to provide for the most vulnerable of our young people.
Comment on this
The measures that Tusla takes in respect of children in residential care, whether its own or private residential care, are really important. Where we use private residential care, all procurement measures must be adhered to. My understanding is that this company has not been successful in the recent tendering process and that Tusla is engaging with it to ensure that a care plan is put in place for all children who will be leaving the care of the company. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter, which I will continue to monitor.