Social Care Association of Ireland (Social care Ireland- SCI)

Lobbying Organisation Social Care Association of Ireland

Date published 20 May, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Children and Youth Affairs

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details Special Emergency Arrangement for Children in Care

Intended results SCI would also like to highlight the use of Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs), something our members do not endorse. While such measures may be used in exceptional circumstances, their continued and routine reliance reflects a system under strain and raises serious concerns about the safety and quality of care provided to some of the most vulnerable children in the country. 1. Recruitment practices & Team Structures in special care settings Concerns regarding the hiring of staff who are not registered with CORU, and the potential implications for professional standards and accountability. 2. Training and preparedness of graduates Questions around the readiness of graduates from the TUSLA-linked training pathway to safely manage the complex, sensitive, and high-risk environments within Special Care. 3 Impact on workforce and children The combined effect of these issues on Social Care Workers’ capacity to deliver safe, consistent care, and the potential risks posed to vulnerable children and young people in Special Care settings.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Chair of Social Care Ireland Leon Ledwidge

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

Significant concerns exist regarding staffing practices in Special Care settings, particularly the increasing reliance on under-qualified and non-registered staff, which presents clear risks to vulnerable young people. Of additional concern is the movement of staff from the newly established TUSLA College into special care roles without appropriate safeguards or competency requirements. These issues highlight the urgent need for coordinated policy and regulation.

Email (2-5)

Email sent to Minister Foley requesting a meeting on the 2nd March 2026. Meeting scheduled for the 15th April in Leinster House.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Norma Foley Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)