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GIRL IN TUSLA CARE ALLEGEDLY SEXUALLY EXPLOITED BY UP TO 30 ADULT MEN, COURT HEARS A report in today’s Irish Times by Kitty Holland, Wednesday, 4 November 2026, reveals shocking evidence presented to the Dublin District Childcare Court concerning the sexual exploitation of a teenage girl in the care of Tusla. Judge Conor Fottrell was told that the girl, who has been in Tusla’s care since earlier this year, was being brought to hotels and private residences for sex with up to 30 adult males in exchange for alcohol and drugs. The judge described the allegations as child sexual exploitation on a scale he had never previously encountered in court, calling the situation horrific. The teenager’s court-appointed guardian ad litem, Sarah O’Reilly, told the court that an older man had declined to have sex with the girl because she was too young but had subsequently arranged for other men to sexually exploit her. The court heard that the girl had contracted a number of sexually transmitted infections, had been assaulted by a man and had been using cocaine, cannabis, barbiturates, amphetamines and antidepressants. Her absences from her care placement had escalated since September, placing her at increasing risk. Sarah O’Reilly told the court that the teenager needed a special care placement to provide the intensive therapeutic support and protection she required. However, Tusla’s special care committee had decided on 13 October not to seek a High Court order for her admission to special care. The committee was due to reconsider the decision in November. The court heard that the girl’s current placement could not provide the level of safety and containment she required. Judge Fottrell described the circumstances as horrendous and said the teenager’s situation required a high level of therapeutic input, which she would not receive until she was placed in special care. He also expressed concern about the wider problem of sexual exploitation of children in State care, observing that the issue was recurring before the courts. The judge said it was appalling that children, predominantly girls, were being exploited at such a horrific level. He requested a Garda report on investigations into the alleged sexual exploitation of the teenager. The case highlights the extreme dangers facing vulnerable children in State care and the urgent need for appropriate protective and therapeutic placements.

TUSLA UNDER FIRE: CHILDREN FACE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND DRUG-RELATED DEATH WHILE SPECIAL CARE BEDS LIE CLOSED A report in today’s Irish Times by Kitty Holland reveals that a 16-year-old boy who vomited up approximately 40 bags of crack cocaine remains without a special care bed, despite a High Court order requiring his detention in a secure facility. The boy, who is using fentanyl and is described as being at serious risk of death, is one of several extremely vulnerable children for whom Tusla has been unable to secure appropriate special care placements. The High Court heard that three children are currently being held in highly dangerous circumstances, with Tusla failing to comply with court orders directing that they receive specialist care. One of the most disturbing cases involves a 14-year-old girl who is being sexually abused by multiple men while continuing to use drugs. The court heard that she had been offered cocaine in exchange for sexual activity and had little memory of events when brought to hospital. Barrister Sarah McKechnie told the court that the boy who swallowed the crack cocaine had been warned that he would be handed over to the Gardaí if the drugs were mentioned. He subsequently became distressed and cried when Gardaí arrived. Mr Justice John Jordan expressed serious frustration at the continuing failure to provide special care placements, describing the situation as one in which children were being left in danger while the authorities failed to take effective action. The court also heard that staffing shortages are preventing Tusla from operating its full complement of special care beds. HIQA has restricted admissions because of concerns about staffing levels and the safety of children already accommodated. Only 13 of Tusla's 26 designated special care beds are currently operational, leaving half the national capacity unavailable despite High Court orders requiring vulnerable children to be detained for their protection. The court was told that HIQA has prohibited further admissions to Crannóg Nua, the largest special care unit, because of continuing staffing and safety concerns. In an extraordinary intervention, Mr Justice Jordan lifted the in-camera rule in the three children's cases to allow contempt proceedings to be pursued against Tusla for its alleged failure to comply with court orders. The judge said the obvious solution was improved pay and working conditions for special care staff. He criticised the continued failure of Tusla and Government to resolve the crisis, insisting that the children needed someone to speak for them. The report exposes a deeply troubling failure of the State's child protection system: three children facing extreme risks of drug-related death, sexual exploitation and serious harm remain without the secure care ordered by the High Court. The judge's intervention raises urgent questions about Tusla's compliance with court orders, Government accountability and the continuing failure to provide adequate special care capacity for some of Ireland's most vulnerable children.

IRISH BIRTH MOTHERS’ ADVOCATE ADDRESSES WESTMINSTER PARLIAMENTARY SUMMIT, RAISING SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT TUSLA AND THE TREATMENT OF GARDA WHISTLEBLOWERS Serious allegations of wrongdoing within Ireland’s child protection and family court systems, together with concerns about the treatment of Garda whistleblowers, were brought before a parliamentary summit at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London, on Monday, 2 November 2026. Anna Kavanagh, Co-founder and Convenor of the Alliance of Birth Mothers Campaigning for Justice, addressed the summit, highlighting the case of a young Irish boy who disclosed alleged physical and sexual abuse, a mother who attempted to protect him, and Garda officers who raised concerns about the handling of the case by State authorities. The summit, entitled “Why We Must Protect the Wellbeing of Whistleblowers”, was organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Investment Fraud and Fairer Financial Services and held in Committee Room 14 of the House of Commons. Dedicated to the memory of Simon Andriesz, the event brought together parliamentarians, whistleblowers and campaigners. Speakers included John McDonnell MP and Baroness Jenny Jones, a member of the House of Lords and former Deputy Mayor of London. The case of a boy referred to by the pseudonym Patrick was raised in Dáil Éireann in July 2025 by Deputy Peadar Tóibín, who outlined serious allegations concerning the misrepresentation of professional evidence in family court proceedings. According to the account presented to the Dáil, a Tusla social worker informed the court that a court-appointed psychologist had indicated she did not believe Patrick’s allegations of sexual abuse. However, the psychologist subsequently confirmed in an email that she had made no such statement and that the social worker’s account of their telephone conversation, as presented to the court, was false. In fact, the psychologist had considered Patrick’s disclosures sufficiently serious to refer him to Tusla and contact An Garda Síochána. Despite the allegations against his father, custody was awarded to the father in 2022. Patrick and his mother have not seen each other since. Kavanagh told the summit that she personally knows the mother and raised the case directly with Tusla CEO Kate Duggan at a meeting in 2024, and subsequently with senior Department of Children officials in 2025. Kavanagh also highlighted the treatment of a Garda whistleblower who raised concerns about alleged falsification of evidence and suspected wrongdoing by State officials in their handling of Patrick’s case. According to the Garda’s account, rather than having his concerns independently investigated, he faced intimidation, disciplinary threats and allegations concerning his conduct within An Garda Síochána. Despite requesting confidentiality, his identity was disclosed by the Department of Justice, which subsequently issued a written apology in 2023. Serious questions remain about whistleblower protection, independent investigations and accountability when allegations of wrongdoing are raised against State institutions. Kavanagh emphasised that legal protections for whistleblowers are meaningless unless they operate effectively in practice. She warned that silencing whistleblowers can have devastating consequences, particularly where vulnerable children depend on others to raise concerns about their welfare. Concluding her contribution, Kavanagh delivered a stark warning: “When whistleblowers are silenced, those they seek to protect suffer. Patrick is forced to live with the man he accused of sexually abusing him.” The Westminster summit provided an important international platform for highlighting concerns about Ireland’s child protection system, family courts, the treatment of Garda whistleblowers and the urgent need for effective independent oversight and institutional accountability.

𝗜𝗳 𝗧𝘂𝘀𝗹𝗮 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻, 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀? An investigation published in the Irish Daily Mail on Saturday, 31 October 2026, by political correspondent Muiris Ó Cearbhaill has revealed that a Tusla employee improperly accessed confidential records relating to three siblings murdered by their brother in Tallaght, Dublin, in September 2022. The employee accessed the files of 18-year-old Lisa Cash and her younger twin siblings, Christy and Chelsea Cawley, aged eight, approximately one week after their deaths. The three children were murdered by their brother, Andy Cash, who subsequently pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three life sentences. An internal Tusla investigation concluded that the employee had accessed the highly sensitive information out of “misplaced curiosity”, following extensive media coverage of the murders. The employee used Tusla's electronic case management system to search for and view the children's records without any legitimate professional reason. The incident was detected approximately one week later and referred to the Data Protection Commission (DPC), which considered it a low-risk breach. 22 INCIDENTS OF UNAUTHORISED ACCESS The newspaper reveals that this was not an isolated incident. Internal Tusla records obtained by the Mail identified 22 instances between 2022 and 2026 in which staff members improperly accessed confidential information about service users. These included: The files of murdered children Lisa Cash, Christy Cawley and Chelsea Cawley. Confidential records relating to missing schoolboy Kyran Durnin, including inappropriate access around the time Gardaí launched a murder investigation into his disappearance. A case in which a female Tusla employee accessed her daughter's then-boyfriend's records in 2023. Despite these breaches, the newspaper reports that none of the recorded incidents resulted in professional sanctions, suspensions or dismissals. Instead, staff were required to undergo renewed data protection training after being caught. CONCERNS OVER CHILDREN'S PRIVACY Labour Party spokesperson on children Mark Wall described the revelations as a serious safeguarding and confidentiality issue, calling for a detailed review of how Tusla protects sensitive information. He questioned what deterrent exists when employees who improperly access confidential records face no disciplinary consequences. Social Democrats TD Aidan Peadar Tóibín also criticised the lack of clarity surrounding whether staff members faced consequences for accessing information without authorisation. Tusla stated that its systems tightly control access to records and that it notifies the Data Protection Commission of relevant breaches. However, the DPC confirmed that investigations generally commence only where there is evidence of serious organisational failures in data protection practices. QUESTIONS OVER ACCOUNTABILITY The revelations raise significant concerns about confidentiality, staff accountability and the protection of vulnerable children and families whose most sensitive personal information is held by Tusla. Particularly troubling is the apparent absence of disciplinary sanctions despite repeated instances of employees accessing records without legitimate professional reasons. The latest investigation follows separate revelations concerning unauthorised access to Kyran Durnin's records, adding to questions about Tusla's internal oversight and its ability to safeguard confidential information.

OCTOBER 2026: A MONTH OF DISTURBING REVELATIONS ABOUT TUSLA, IRELAND’S CHILD AND FAMILY AGENCY.

€2.4 BILLION SPENT ON HOMELESSNESS AS PUBLIC MONEY FLOWS TO NGOs AND ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS WHILE HOMELESS WOMEN ARE ATTACKED ON THE STREETS Ireland is on course to spend €2.4 billion on homelessness services between 2020 and the end of 2026, with enormous sums going to NGOs, private accommodation providers and emergency housing services, while homelessness continues to rise. Two newspaper reports expose a crisis consuming unprecedented public resources without delivering permanent housing solutions for thousands of families. Political correspondent Tadhg McNally reports in the Irish Examiner that almost €1.89 billion was spent on homelessness services between 2020 and 2025. Annual expenditure has soared from approximately €300 million in 2020 to a record €543 million in 2025. Much of this money supports NGOs, hotels, private accommodation providers and emergency homelessness services. Yet this spending does not itself build permanent homes. Instead, the State continues paying enormous sums for temporary accommodation, often year after year, while the underlying housing shortage remains unresolved. RECORD SPENDING — RECORD HOMELESSNESS Despite billions in expenditure, homelessness continues to rise. Department of Housing figures show that 17,885 people were living in emergency accommodation in August 2026, including 5,830 children. These figures exclude people sleeping rough and others experiencing housing insecurity. Labour housing spokesperson Rory Hearne has criticised the Government’s reliance on managing homelessness rather than preventing it, calling for greater investment in social housing and stronger measures to prevent evictions. At an illustrative construction cost of €400,000 per home, €2.4 billion represents the equivalent of approximately 6,000 homes. Not all homelessness expenditure could be redirected towards construction, but the comparison demonstrates the extraordinary resources being consumed by emergency services without necessarily creating permanent housing. WHO BENEFITS FROM THE BILLIONS? The flow of public money into homelessness services demands greater scrutiny. NGOs provide essential assistance, while commercial operators supply emergency accommodation. However, taxpayers are entitled to know how much goes to NGOs, hotels, private providers, administration and direct services. What profits are private operators making? What contracts are being awarded? Is the State receiving value for money? Has emergency accommodation become a permanent, publicly funded industry rather than a temporary response to homelessness? HOMELESS WOMEN BEATEN ON DUBLIN STREETS Meanwhile, journalist Alison O’Reilly reports disturbing evidence of violence against homeless women. Photographs show a woman with extensive facial bruising following a serious assault. The woman regularly attends A Lending Hand, a Dublin homeless support organisation. The charity reports increasing incidents of physical assaults, intimidation and violence against women sleeping rough. Some victims are reportedly too frightened to report attacks. Women without secure accommodation are particularly vulnerable to assault, sexual exploitation and further trauma. Campaigners warn that much of this violence remains undocumented. Meanwhile, the Muslim Sisters of Éire reports growing demand for food and basic necessities, with queues of people seeking assistance in Dublin. BILLIONS SPENT — BUT WHERE ARE THE HOMES? The contrast is stark. The State spends hundreds of millions annually funding homelessness services, NGOs and private accommodation providers. Yet women are being assaulted on the streets, thousands of children are growing up in emergency accommodation, and families remain without permanent homes. Ireland is building homes through other programmes, but spending on emergency accommodation does not itself create permanent housing. Greater transparency is urgently needed over where homelessness funding goes.

TUSLA MUST ADDRESS DECADE-LONG STAFFING CRISIS AND RESTORE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE — SINN FÉIN TD CATHY BENNETT In an interview on Northern Sound earlier this week, serious concerns were raised by Sinn Féin TD Cathy Bennett about Tusla's continuing failure to provide adequate special-care services for some of Ireland's most vulnerable children. Deputy Bennett has called on Tusla to take proactive action to address longstanding problems, particularly staff shortages and high staff turnover. She highlighted that for the past decade, Tusla has consistently struggled to operate its full complement of 26 special-care beds, with only approximately half to two-thirds available at any given time. These beds are intended for extremely vulnerable children whose circumstances require intensive, secure therapeutic care. Deputy Bennett stressed that Tusla has an exceptionally important responsibility to protect vulnerable children and that the public is entitled to expect the highest standards of care. She warned that there is an urgent need to restore public confidence in Ireland's Child and Family Agency. Rather than responding to crises only when they generate national headlines, Tusla must identify and address underlying problems before they escalate. Her comments come amid continuing concerns about the shortage of special-care placements, with only 13 of the 26 designated beds operational in recent reports. The central issue is that a staffing crisis which has persisted for approximately ten years remains unresolved, despite repeated warnings about its consequences for vulnerable children. Deputy Bennett's intervention raises a fundamental question: Why has Tusla been unable to resolve a longstanding staffing problem that directly affects its ability to protect children at serious risk of harm?

TUSLA'S PROTECTIVE SERVICES UNIT INVOLVED IN GARDA INVESTIGATION INTO SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PROMINENT KERRY FIGURE An exclusive front-page investigation in this week's Kerry's Eye, Thursday, 29 October 2026, by Chief Reporter Donal O'Connor, reveals that Gardaí have launched a major investigation into serious allegations of sexual coercion, organised sex acts and drug dealing involving a well-known public figure in Kerry. The allegations were made by the man's wife, who claims she was coerced into non-consensual sexual activities and organised sex gatherings involving other adults. She further alleges that her husband sourced and supplied cocaine to participants. Of particular significance is the involvement of Tusla's specialist Protective Services Unit in the Garda investigation. According to the newspaper, detectives from the unit met the man and questioned him about the allegations. However, he was not arrested and agreed to cooperate with Gardaí. The report also reveals that Gardaí have raised concerns about the couple's children, although the precise nature of those concerns is not disclosed. No allegations of wrongdoing have been made against the children. The man, who is described as a prominent and highly respected figure in Kerry's business, political and community circles, has not been publicly identified. The investigation is reportedly at an early stage, and no criminal charges have been announced. The allegations are extremely serious, particularly given the reported involvement of Tusla's Protective Services Unit and concerns regarding children. However, the newspaper does not establish that Tusla failed in its safeguarding responsibilities, nor does it provide sufficient information to determine what protective measures may have been necessary. The investigation remains ongoing. The allegations have not been proven, and the man is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

TUSLA STAFF INVESTIGATED FOR ACCESSING CONFIDENTIAL CHILDREN’S FILES — AT LEAST 22 EMPLOYEES FACE PROBES OVER PRIVACY BREACHES An exclusive investigation in today’s Irish Daily Mail, Friday, 30 October 2026, by Political Correspondent Muiris Ó Cearbhaill reveals that at least 22 individuals working with Tusla have been investigated for allegedly accessing confidential personal information without legitimate professional reasons. The revelations raise serious questions about data protection, confidentiality and the safeguarding of highly sensitive information held by Ireland’s Child and Family Agency. According to records obtained by the newspaper, the incidents occurred between 2022 and 2026, despite Tusla repeatedly introducing measures intended to prevent employees from accessing files without authorisation. Among the most disturbing findings are cases involving employees accessing sensitive records for personal reasons. In one incident, a Tusla employee searched confidential care records relating to her daughter’s boyfriend. In another case, a student undertaking work placement with Tusla was found to have misused access to search the confidential file of a fellow student. A separate investigation concerned a staff member who accessed records on behalf of a friend whose estranged wife was the subject of the file. Another case involved a worker who accessed confidential information about two colleagues. The investigation also uncovered an incident involving a staff member who allegedly accessed and viewed multiple confidential case records containing sensitive personal information. This was classified as a high-risk breach. The revelations follow yesterday’s Irish Daily Mail investigation into inappropriate access to the confidential records of missing schoolboy Kyran Durnin. That investigation revealed that more than 20 Tusla employees had been examined over allegations of accessing Kyran’s records, including during the period when Gardaí launched a murder investigation into his disappearance. Some employees reportedly claimed they had legitimate reasons for accessing the files, although concerns were raised about whether those explanations were justified. The newspaper reports that Tusla has faced repeated data protection concerns over several years. In 2020, the Data Protection Commission investigated allegations involving multiple procedural breaches and complaints about inappropriate access to files. In another case, Tusla was required to pay €20,000 following an investigation, although it was only obliged to make that payment after initially failing to pay a €50,000 fine. The agency has also introduced additional controls, audits and staff training in response to previous breaches. A Tusla spokesperson said the agency treats its obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation extremely seriously and applies robust controls to protect confidential information. Tusla confirmed that investigations into inappropriate access can result in disciplinary sanctions and that certain breaches have been referred to the Data Protection Commission. However, the newspaper reports that the outcomes of some investigations remain unclear, including whether employees faced disciplinary consequences. The central issue is whether Tusla's repeated assurances about confidentiality and data protection are matched by effective oversight, accountability and meaningful consequences for those who misuse access to sensitive records. The latest revelations raise particularly serious concerns because Tusla holds some of the most private information imaginable about vulnerable children, birth parents and families involved in the child protection and family law systems. The public is entitled to know how widespread these breaches have been, what disciplinary action has followed and why previous safeguards have apparently failed to prevent further incidents.

ARE WE WATCHING BRITAIN’S PAEDOPHILE GROOMING-GANG SCANDAL UNFOLD IN IRELAND — WITH THE VICTIMS BEING CHILDREN IN TUSLA CARE? In an opinion piece in today’s Irish Mail, Brenda Power warns of a shocking child-safety scandal involving vulnerable children in State care being targeted by sexual predators while the authorities responsible for protecting them struggle to keep them safe. Under the headline “Grooming gangs are the real threat, not grannies”, Power focuses on three cases involving teenagers in State care which recently came before High Court judge Mr Justice John Jordan. So concerned was the judge that he directed details to Children Minister Norma Foley, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers. One case concerns a 14-year-old girl who, Power writes, was being preyed upon by organised paedophile gangs. The teenager, from a deeply troubled background, reportedly believed the men exploiting her genuinely cared about her. Despite suffering physical symptoms associated with sexual activity with numerous men, the child was unable to recognise herself as a victim. Power argues that this illustrates the sinister nature of grooming: vulnerable children can be manipulated into interpreting exploitation as love and affection. A second teenage girl in Tusla care was also reported as being sexually exploited by a large number of men. The third case concerned a 16-year-old boy involved with an older criminal gang whom he regarded as friends and supporters. Gardaí had seized thousands of euro worth of drugs from him. Power links the cases to the shortage of special-care accommodation. Despite 26 designated beds, only 15 were available. But she argues that the debate must go much further than beds. The fundamental question is: who is sexually exploiting these children and what is being done to identify, investigate and prosecute them? Power draws a disturbing comparison with Britain’s grooming-gang scandals, where vulnerable girls, particularly children in care, were systematically targeted by groups of men. She argues Ireland should learn from what happened there rather than wait for a comparable scandal to become fully exposed here. She cites Irish Mail on Sunday reporting that organised criminal groups are exploiting the State’s inability to keep vulnerable children safe. Perpetrators allegedly contact children online, obtain information about residential care facilities and arrange meetings away from their placements. Power describes children initially being offered attention, affection, money, drugs or alcohol before being passed between perpetrators and subjected to increasingly serious sexual exploitation. What may appear to be children voluntarily meeting adults can instead involve grooming, manipulation and coercion. She strongly rejects any suggestion that children can meaningfully consent to their own exploitation. They must be recognised as victims rather than having their behaviour treated as the problem. Power also questions whether Ireland’s in-camera rule, while essential for protecting children’s privacy, can prevent proper public scrutiny of organised exploitation. Her broader argument is that the State risks concentrating on containing vulnerable children through secure beds and residential placements while insufficient attention is directed towards the adults allegedly exploiting them. Ireland, Power argues, must confront the possibility that organised grooming and sexual exploitation of children in State care is already occurring here. Her central message is stark: the vulnerable children are not the threat from which society needs protection; the adults grooming and exploiting them are.

DPP DROPS TWO SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES AGAINST MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN STATE CARE — BUT TUSLA STILL HAS QUESTIONS TO ANSWER The DPP has withdrawn two sexual assault charges against a man accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in Tusla care. The decision was announced before Judge Martin Nolan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Friday. No reason was given. The man, who had been in custody awaiting trial, was subsequently arrested on foot of a deportation order. There may be legal or evidential reasons why a prosecution cannot proceed. Withdrawal of the charges does not establish that the alleged assaults did not occur, while the accused remains entitled to the presumption of innocence. But the ending of the prosecution does not end the questions. How did a 10-year-old child for whom Tusla had assumed responsibility come to be in circumstances in which such serious alleged harm could occur? AN APOLOGY WE SHOULD NOT FORGET Tusla’s original statement said the girl had been voluntarily placed in its care “due to significant behavioural issues” and had “absconded” from staff during a recreational trip. The language was criticised as verging on victim blaming. On November 27th, 2025, questioned by Deputy Claire Kerrane, Tusla chief executive Kate Duggan apologised: “We apologise for that statement, the way it was released, its impact and the wording around it.” When serious harm is alleged to have happened to a 10-year-old in State care, her behaviour should not become the story. The greater her vulnerability, the greater the responsibility to protect her. HOW “VOLUNTARY” IS VOLUNTARY? The description of the child as “voluntarily placed” in Tusla care also deserves scrutiny. Research by Kenneth Burns and colleagues at University College Cork identified “soft coercion” within voluntary care. Parents reported being told that if they did not sign an agreement, Tusla could instead seek a court order. Concerns have also been raised about parents entering voluntary care without independent legal advice and the imbalance of power between vulnerable families and the State. This does not establish what happened to this particular family. We do not know. But “voluntary” describes a legal mechanism. It does not tell us whether these parents believed they had meaningful alternatives, had independent legal advice or what supports were offered before their child entered care. THE QUESTIONS THAT REMAIN The prosecution may have ended, but the State’s responsibility for this child’s welfare has not. What safeguarding review did Tusla undertake? How did this child become separated from those responsible for her care? Were shortcomings identified? What supports had her family received before she entered care, and what independent scrutiny followed? These questions do not concern the guilt or innocence of the accused or seek to second-guess the DPP. They concern State responsibility. A 10-year-old child entered State care and subsequently became the complainant in allegations of serious sexual assault. Tusla publicly referred to her “significant behavioural issues” and said she had “absconded”. Its chief executive later apologised. A man was charged with two sexual assaults and held in custody awaiting trial. Those charges have now been withdrawn without a reason being given publicly. Throughout this, enormous attention has focused on Citywest, immigration and the accused. It is time to return attention to the person with the least power in this story: A 10-year-old girl. We should know more about how the systems responsible for protecting her operated — and less about the personal difficulties of a vulnerable child whose privacy should have been paramount. For voluntary care to deserve that description, consent must be informed, meaningful and genuinely free. And when the State takes responsibility for a child, the ultimate question is simple: Did Tusla keep her safe?

Mandatory viewing for Irish people concerned about their children and grandchildren being drawn into Future battlefields.

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