Investigation under way into Tusla allegations, Dáil told

A garda investigation is under way into allegations that Tusla, the child and family agency, placed vulnerable children into unregulated emergency accommodation.

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris told the Dáil that gardaí were investigating after the agency’s “new internal compliance unit” brought the issue to light.

He was responding to Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty, who told the Dáil that Tusla placed vulnerable children into unregulated emergency accommodation run by a company which “fabricated” pre-employment screenings of staff.

Mr Doherty condemned as “shocking” the alleged use of “fictitious” entries.

Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman was in touch with the head of Tusla today, Minister Harris added.

The Dail also heard that the “noise” over issues at RTÉ means that issues including children in care allegedly being put in danger are being missed.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín alleged Tusla is using unvetted staff with children going missing.

“With all the noise in here in relation to RTÉ etc, issues such as this are getting missed,” he said.

“Its an absolute scandal,” Deputy Tóibín added.