The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published an inspection report on the child protection and welfare service operated by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) in the Kerry North Cork network.

HIQA inspected the service between 12 and 15 May 2026. Of the four national standards assessed, HIQA found two were compliant and two were substantially compliant.

The inspection noted several areas of good practice. This included the use of age-appropriate and child-friendly tools to support children and to ensure their views were sought. Referrals were also appropriately screened and actioned in a timely manner, and referrals that did not meet the threshold for child protection services were appropriately diverted to family support services. There were good interim safety plans in place, pending completion of initial assessments, that aimed to ensure the safety of children. The standard of assessments was also of a high quality, and there was effective management oversight.

The inspection also noted some areas requiring improvement. Cases transferred to the children in care team did not follow Tusla’s required procedures, and some initial assessments did not capture all risks. There were some delays by managers in reviewing and signing off cases, and a small number of cases were incorrectly categorised, indicating a gap in quality assurance, managers did not have relevant managerial training completed, and regular reviewing of safety plans also required improvement.

Following the inspection, management submitted a satisfactory compliance plan to HIQA, which outlined plans to address the issues identified during the inspection. 

Further improvements to the service were required to ensure that management training was prioritised and training for staff was provided to ensure they have the appropriate knowledge and skills. Appropriate assurances were provided by the service, and HIQA will continue to monitor the service to support improvements.

Notes: 

• HIQA is authorised by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality under Section 8(1) (c) of the Health Act 2007 to monitor the quality of services provided by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) to protect children and promote their welfare. HIQA monitors Tusla’s performance against the National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2012) and advises the Minister and Tusla.