Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Claire Kerrane TD, has told the Chairperson and CEO of Tusla at Committee this morning that if we do not invest adequately in voluntary residential services, others will gain from it, describing Ireland being eyed up internationally as a place to make money on back of Care System as ‘disgusting’ and something we cannot allow to take hold in our state.
Speaking after a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality this morning, Teachta Kerrane said:
“We have to see increased investment in not-for-profit, voluntary and community residential care services, to give them the money they actually need to operate and to build capacity.
“If this Government does not prioritise this in the upcoming budget, we will see private companies, investors and individuals from various parts of the world gain in the most disgusting way on the back of a system that is supposed to care and look after children in the care of the state.
“I have seen correspondence from these people showing an interest in stepping in and providing such services in our care system. This is hugely concerning and we cannot allow it to take hold.
“Internationally, Ireland is being eyed up as a place where money can be made on the back of our care system.
“If the Government does not act in building residential capacity, this is what we are facing.
“We have already seen millions going to any Johnny or Mary who can provide a room or an apartment for our most vulnerable children in terms of Special Emergency Arrangements. Yet, we’ve no money for the regulated residential sector?
“In response to me this morning, it was said that the voluntary sector was unable to increase capacity as they didn’t have the capital to do so. Obviously, the voluntary sector won’t have the capital to build capacity unless it is given to them or buildings are provided by Tusla. These are not-for-profit providers, they have to account for every red cent provided to them from Tusla.
“These are services that are regulated to the hilt – and rightly so account for the money given to them – and are forced to fundraise to keep their doors open because the amount of funding they receive doesn’t allow for the bare minimum. Yet, we have millions on tap for private, unregulated settings.
“And of course, Tusla is dependent on the Government for that capacity building funding. I recognise that. Tusla have made commitments to build capacity in the voluntary residential sector and this needs to be prioritised immediately and urgently.
“So, the Government needs to earmark the money for this sector.
“We have to build capacity in terms of our foster carers. The single best place for a child, where they cannot be in their own home, is foster care. We are losing foster carers and this needs to be addressed. We need to invest in voluntary residential care, they have decades of experience and a track record. And we need not to roll out the red carpet for those who see our children in care as a cash cow.”
