Ombudsman Calls for Immediate Ban on Unregulated Child Placements After «Stomach-Churning» RTÉ Report

The Ombudsman for Children, Niall Muldoon, has stated that the State is failing vulnerable young people in its care, describing conditions revealed by RTÉ Investigates as «stomach-churning». He called for an immediate ban on Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs), which involve placing children in unregulated accommodation, a practice on which the State spends millions annually.

Muldoon highlighted that the RTÉ programme «Inside the Care System» confirmed his existing concerns about these placements, warning that children’s rights are being «damaged and violated». He urged Minister for Children Norma Foley to implement an outright ban through the forthcoming Childcare Act Amendment Act, expected next month. Muldoon stressed that a prohibition should be enshrined in law to prevent future occurrences, noting that a failure to act could expose the State to future legal claims for compensation.

Tusla’s CEO, Kate Duggan, acknowledged the challenges in providing appropriate care, stating that the described experiences were «not acceptable» and a significant concern for her and her colleagues.