Child protection reform ‘vital’ says Louth TD

Child protection continues to be a key focus in 2026 for Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú, who is a member of both the Oireachtas committees for children as well as disability.

Speaking ahead of the return of the Dáil this week, the Sinn Féin deputy said he would continue to question the government on the updating of the Child Care Act and the implementation of the recommendations of the National Review Panel’s (NRP) report into the case of missing Louth child Kyran Durnin.

He said the issue continues to be ‘extremely important’ particularly in light of the killing of Oisín Reddin in Dublin last week. The 12-year-old child was known to Tusla and the NRP has started a review of the Child and Family Agency’s interaction with him.

During the final week of the Dáil before the Christmas recess, Deputy Ó Murchú questioned Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, about the progress being made on the Kyran Durnin report recommendations.

He said: “We have had a large number of child protection issues, including in respect of Vadym Davydenko and Daniel Aruebose, and the shocking events surrounding the brutal assault on a ten-year-old girl who had been in care. 

“What I am looking for is information specifically on the NRP report and assurance that the recommendations will be acted upon. 

“I seek the timeline for the rest of the reports and assurance that we have the proper framework in play. I am aware that the Minister has legislation and other measures planned”.

Minister Foley said her department is engaging with the relevant departments and agencies, including Tusla, on the implementation of the recommendations, while Tusla ‘has already commenced the process of implementing the recommendations under its remit’. 

She said: “I am clear that the implementation of the recommendations should be completed as soon as possible.

“I have recently introduced a Bill updating and modernising the Child Care Act, which provides the foundation for child protection and welfare services. 

“This will strengthen the child protection legal framework and the powers available to Tusla. Key child protection features include the introduction of a duty to co-operate among bodies”.

Deputy Ó Murchú said it is ‘vital’ that the Department of Children ‘adheres to a timeline’ for the implementation of the Kyran recommendations.

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He told Minister Foley: “The issues around the tracking of pupils, particularly whatever cross-border directive is needed, should be addressed straight away. We should be overcoming whatever issues there are with GDPR. I would also like an update on the Tusla-Garda protocol.

“(Tulsa CEO) Kate Duggan and others spoke about the increase in complex cases, the new model of care Tusla is looking to bring in and the need for it to increase its staff. 

“We frequently hear from those in the community and voluntary sector who get referrals from Tusla. They also speak about their need for increased resourcing to ensure we have something that is more fit for purpose for looking after children and particularly the most vulnerable”.