We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Children in care and Tori Towey

Summary

Deputy Bacik welcomes the Tori Towey update and raises serious concerns about vulnerable children in State care, citing the Child Law Project’s latest report. The Taoiseach praises the project’s work, says he is happy to meet it, and will look at a mechanism for its continued work.

First, I welcome the update on Ms Tori Towey. I very much welcome the news that the travel ban has been lifted. It was appalling to see any woman, any Irish citizen, treated in this way. We all wish Tori and her mother well on their return home.

I want to raise the appalling situation facing so many vulnerable children in Ireland, namely, those who are in the care of the State. On Monday the Child Law Project published its latest volume, comprising 70 reports on court proceedings related to children in care, detailing some really harrowing and difficult situations for children, including concerns around sexual and criminal exploitation. The report also highlights a serious shortage of appropriate care placements.

The Child Law Project has been doing vitally important work in shining a light on in camera proceedings over many years now, since 2013. What does the Government propose to do when its contract comes to an end in October? I am very concerned, as is the project, that there will be no further communication between the courts and the public. The Ombudsman for Children has raised concerns too. We do not have any indication as to what will happen when the reporting of child protection proceedings comes to an end in October and whether any new mechanism for reporting will be commissioned by the Government.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Deputy McDonald raised an important issue there and I was getting an update on Tori Towey at the same time. I apologise if I did not do her question the justice it deserves and I am happy to come back on it.

On Deputy Bacik's point, the Child Law Project has done incredible work in shining a light on what is extraordinarily difficult, and it should be doing that. I am very eager to meet with the project. I am very happy to meet and to find a mechanism to ensure that its work can continue.

Comment on this