128. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the progress of the restructuring of special care; and whether consideration is being given to dealing with the difficulties created by the loss of high support units. [65849/26]

Tusla has statutory responsibility for the operation of Special Care in Ireland, and for the provision of Special Care beds.

A new grade and pay scale for Special Care was sanctioned in 2024, in an effort to increase staff numbers. The new grade represents a promotional opportunity with a higher career salary scale for both Social Care Workers and Social Care Leaders. As of June 2026, the new Tusla Special Care Worker grade offers approximately 20.3% higher pay at top of scale compared to the Social Care Worker grade, and 3.6% compared to the Social Care Leader grade.

To ensure appropriate supervision and support for the new Special Care Worker grade, additional managerial posts have also been created at both Social Care Manager and Deputy Social Care Manager, as well as the introduction of “on-shift” arrangements for new Deputy Social Care Manager roles. Beyond the promotional and financial opportunities this has presented for current staff, the introduction of the additional managerial posts strengthens governance arrangements within Special Care.

As of 16 September, Tusla has successfully filled 5 new Social Care Manager, 2 Deputy Social Care Manager (on shift) and 20 Special Care Worker roles.

The Department is committed to ensuring that appropriate supports and placements are available for children and young people requiring more intensive interventions. In Budget 2026, €1.3m in funding was allocated to provide an enhanced multi-disciplinary therapeutic service to children on the edge of special care, in special care, and transitioning from a special care environment.

Foster care is the preferred care setting for a child in the care of the State. As of Q4 2025, 86% of children in care were being cared for by foster carers, a figure which compares favourably internationally.

Tusla has advised that current residential care provision provides children and young people with a safe, stable and nurturing home environment within the community. The model is based on individualised care planning and relationship-based, trauma-informed practice. This includes consistent routines, appropriate boundaries and support tailored to each child’s needs. Its therapeutic nature is embedded in everyday care. This includes positive relationships, emotional support, structured activities, education and opportunities to develop independence and social skills are used as part of the child’s ongoing care and development. Where required, this is complemented by specialist and multidisciplinary supports to ensure that care remains responsive to the child’s assessed emotional, behavioural, developmental and therapeutic needs.

Tusla has been allocated €188m capital funding for 2026-2030. Reflecting the priorities in the National Development Plan, €17m is the indicative allocation for special care in Tusla’s Capital Plan for 2026-2030. This will support Tusla in upgrading, renovating or purchasing special care and step-down units. This funding supports the development of three new Step Down units. Two are scheduled to be completed by Q4 2026 and one in 2027.

Officials in the Department of Children are also finalising a National Policy Framework for Alternative Care. This will deliver on a commitment in the Programme for Government to develop a national plan on alternative care, including articulating a long-term vision for alternative care in Ireland.