Written answer
Child and Family Agency
66. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being taken to ensure Tusla has the staffing and resources necessary to meet increasing demand for child and family services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47427/26]
Comment on this
Thank you Deputy for your question regarding the staffing and resourcing of Tusla.
The Department recognises that importance of the work of Tusla in delivering vital child and family services and in managing a complex, demand-led environment. It recognises in particular the excellent work of Tusla's front line staff in supporting vulnerable children and families in the areas of child protection, welfare and family support services.
The Department s committed to ensuring Tusla has the staffing and resources required to meeting the demands for its services. This commitment is evidenced by the year on year increase in the funding provided to Tusla. Its budget allocation has increased by more than 50% since 2020. Tusla’s allocation increased by 14% in Budget 2026 and its annual budget is now in excess of €1.4 billion.
The Department will, as always, strive to support Tusla in the development of novel approaches to increase the number of Social Workers, Social Care Workers and other professional staff within the Agency.
Tusla has continued to expand its workforce supported by measures to strengthen recruitment and retention. These include apprenticeship and “earn and learn” programmes, targeted recruitment campaigns and improvements in pay and career structures. It has worked successfully with Higher Education Institutes in developing new pathways to recruit staff. In addition Tusla's HR initiatives supporting very high rates of retention within the organisation.
Ongoing reform programmes are also supporting more effective workforce planning and service delivery to ensure children and families can access timely and appropriate supports.
In conclusion, the Department will continue to work closely with Tusla to ensure child and family services are appropriately resourced to meet current and future demand.