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Child protection

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Mother and baby homes
Enacted

Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026

The proposal would let a court restrict or remove a parent’s or guardian’s rights over a child where that guardian has been convicted of killing, or seriously assaulting, another guardian, or of another very serious offence that has harmed the child’s welfare. It also sets out how the Child and Family Agency can apply, how courts should review or delay orders until safe care is in place, and how children can be represented in those cases. The aim is to protect children while making the child’s best interests the main factor in every decision.
Dáil

Alleged fraud in online safety company

Deputy Lawless outlined allegations of fraud, unpaid wages and falsified contracts involving an Irish child-safety company. The Tánaiste declined to comment further because of the apparent Garda investigation.
Seanad

Bessborough site

Senator Harmon urged action on Bessborough in Cork, including possible negotiation, compulsory purchase, publication of burial records and an inquest. Senators Higgins and O'Reilly voiced support.
Joint Committee on Children and Equality

Child Protection Matters, Special Care and Special Emergency Care Arrangements: Tusla

Tusla outlined rising demand for child protection services, with almost 6,000 children in care, increasing referrals, and a sharp rise in separated children seeking international protection. It said special emergency arrangements have now been phased out in favour of regulated emergency placements with HIQA oversight, and admitted it cannot yet fully meet its statutory duty on special care because of staffing shortages. Members pressed Tusla on residential placement capacity, use of private providers, security staff in homes, aftercare, and the lack of capital investment in the community and voluntary sector. Tusla said recruitment, training and reform are under way, with a focus on expanding foster care, therapeutic supports and staff numbers.
Current

Protection of Children (Online Age Verification) Bill 2026

Aimed at child protection, the proposal would make websites, app stores and online services that host or generate pornographic content block access in Ireland unless the user first passes an age check. It also lets the Minister set acceptable ID documents, allows age checks to be done by approved third parties, and creates offences and penalties for non-compliance, including fines and prison terms.