"For the vast majority of children in our care...they are receiving very good services" - Tusla CEO

The Morning Ireland podcast examines the state of child protection in Ireland following a distressing RT Investigates report exposing serious failures in the care system. The segment highlights the harrowing experiences of children like Max, who endured sexual abuse, neglect, and placement in unregulated 'special emergency arrangements'—including hotels and apartments—while awaiting secure care. Despite these alarming revelations, Tusla CEO Kate Duggan defends the system, emphasizing that the vast majority of the nearly 6,000 children in state care are receiving high-quality services through foster care and registered residential placements. She acknowledges the trauma experienced by a small number of vulnerable youth and offers a public apology for those failures, while also outlining Tusla’s progress in reducing reliance on emergency arrangements—from 170 to under 70 young people in just one year. Duggan confirms that no staff with forged references were used in Tusla-approved placements, citing internal reporting and compliance checks, and notes that five providers have been referred to the Gardaí and six others have been suspended. She reaffirms the government’s commitment to developing a new, integrated care strategy to better support children with complex needs. The episode underscores a tension between systemic shortcomings and ongoing reform efforts. While the emotional weight of individual stories like Max’s reveals deep flaws in oversight and safety, the CEO’s testimony suggests a system in transition—working to strengthen accountability, expand safe placements, and improve aftercare support. The discussion calls for greater investment in mental health services, early family intervention, and cross-sector collaboration. Ultimately, the segment presents a nuanced picture: one of profound failure in isolated cases, but also of measurable progress and institutional commitment to change.