Kate Duggan

Intent: EPIC developed a pre-budget submission to contribute to government deliberations on Budget 2027 Submission seeks increased investment in Tusla and enhanced cross-government investment across Departments and State agencies in a range of services for children in care and young people with care experience, including in relation to housing, health, education, disability.

Details: EPIC's Pre Budget Submission seeking enhanced investment in Tusla and cross-government investment for children in care and young people with care experience in Budget 2027

Intent: To secure increase resources in Budget 2027 for programmes and initiatives for children and young people particularly those that address poverty and child protection issues.

Details: Engagement around the need for increased resources in Budget 2027 to support children and young people

Intent: Significant Increase in Resources for Youth Justice Diversion Programs: We need to enhance the capacity of programs that engage young people before they enter the justice system[MH1.1]. Including targeted early intervention and prevention programmes.::Targeted Engagement: Specialised resources must be directed toward young people identified as being at high risk of engaging in criminality, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds.::Enhanced Youth Facilities: We call for the provision of increased youth activities and clubs with later opening hours to provide safe, stable environments for vulnerable children where they can build relationships with positive role models based in their own communities.::Statutory Footing for the National Review Panel: The remit of the National Review Panel must be urgently expanded and put on a statutory footing to examine all unexpected child deaths, not only those children already known to state agencies.::A Full Systemic Review: A comprehensive

Details: Urgent Request for Systemic Action Following the Tragic M9 Motorway Incident, 17th August 2026

Intent: To increase the awareness of the CEO of TUSLA of the issues being seen and support by EPIC and seek her support for resources to meet needs of children and young people in care.

Details: Met with CEO Kate Duggan to exchange information

Intent: To secure additional supports for children and young people at risk.

Details: The provision of supports for separated children and the use of Special Emergency Accommodation for children and young people at risk.

Intent: calls for urgent, system-wide action to ensure that every child in the care of the State is safe, protected and supported to thrive

Details: Concern at the issues highlighted in recent RTÉ reports on Special Emergency Arrangements for children in State care, says IASW

Intent: increase in aftercare payment, review of statutory criteria for aftercare, ::input from EPIC Youth Council into policy development

Details: matters relating to aftercare policy eligibility, aftercare payment and and other policy issues related to children in care and young people with care experience

Intent: Increased resources for children and young people exposed to high levels of abuse and neglect; safeguarding measures needed for children and young people at risk of abuse and neglect

Details: The need for resources for children and young people exposed to high levels of abuse and neglect

Intent: Increased funding for support services helping families struggling with adversities and children dealing with trauma resulting from those adversities. Additionally, wanted to increase financial supports for low income families and families experiencing poverty and deprivation.

Details: Increased parental support to vulnerable families

Intent: Invitation to research report: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Ireland: Wellbeing, Living Experience, and The Need for Change on 09 September 2025 in RCSI Building, St Stephens Green, Dublin

Details: Invitation to FASD Ireland & RCSI Research Launch