2981. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the youths killed recently in the M9 car crash were in State care at the time of the collision; and if not, if they were missing from State care at the time of the collision. [61924/26]

This is an incredibly tragic event affecting a great number of people across many communities. I understand you have already reached out to Tusla on this matter for information.

In the interest of respecting the privacy of the children and families it works with, Tusla does not generally comment on individual cases. However on this occasion it has confirmed that one of the deceased teenagers was in its care while it has had past engagements with two of the others.

Tusla has advised that it has referred all three cases to the National Review Panel. As you are aware the National Review Panel holds responsibility for the undertaking of independent investigations into serious incidents or deaths of children in care, or those who have had engagements with Tusla in the past.

There is an ongoing Garda investigation in respect of the M9 crash, and it is important that we allow this investigation to progress.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people who were hospitalised with serious injuries and their families and the families of the deceased.