ABC for Justice

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝!

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Dublin last night for the launch of 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑨𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑰𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅.

To the mothers who shared their testimonies — this is your voice. It is time for your stories to be heard. You speak not only for yourselves, but for the hundreds of mothers who have contacted the Alliance of Birth Mothers Campaigning for Justice describing their experiences of the system.

In his endorsement, John McGuinness TD wrote:

“This book gives voice to birth mothers whose experiences within the child protection and family court system have too often been ignored or minimised. Through my work with many mothers, I have seen first hand the profound harm caused when systems intended to protect children fail to listen, reflect, or correct course. I have said in the Dáil that unless meaningful reform is undertaken now, the State will in time be forced to issue apologies for what has occurred. Justice for Birth Mothers is an important and timely contribution to ensuring those mistakes are acknowledged and not repeated.”

The link to purchase the book: amazon.ie/Justice-Birth-…

TUSLA UNDER FIRE AS HIGH COURT JUDGE PRAISES SPECIAL CARE STAFF BUT WARNS VULNERABLE CHILDREN ARE BEING FAILED BY THE SYSTEM

The Irish Times | 10 November 2026 | Kitty Holland, Social Affairs Correspondent

A High Court judge has praised the extraordinary difference that special care staff are making to the lives of vulnerable children, while highlighting the devastating consequences for those unable to access desperately needed placements.

Judge John Jordan told the High Court that children who had experienced serious trauma, exploitation and neglect were making remarkable progress after receiving intensive therapeutic care.

However, the judge also revealed that only 12 of Ireland’s 26 special care beds are operational, leaving highly vulnerable children without access to court-ordered protection.

A FRIGHTENED BOY TRANSFORMED BY SPECIAL CARE

One particularly encouraging case involved a boy who entered special care as a frightened and unhealthy young person.

Following his placement, he has developed into what the judge described as a formidable, ambitious and articulate young writer and artist.

The boy, who had suffered significant trauma, is now excelling at school, woodworking, art and chess.

Judge Jordan praised his artistic abilities and the progress he had made, describing his transformation as a powerful example of what special care can achieve.

However, the boy was overwhelmed at the prospect of moving to an aftercare placement more than 100 kilometres from his home and needed reassurance about the transition.

GIRL WHO SUFFERED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION MAKES REMARKABLE PROGRESS

The court also heard about a girl who had experienced sexual exploitation and neglect.

After receiving intensive support in special care, she is preparing to leave the secure setting and enter a less restrictive form of care.

She is now described as a much happier person who loves attending school.

Judge Jordan paid tribute to the staff responsible for her recovery, saying they deserved full credit for the love, care and attention they had provided.

FOUR CHILDREN DENIED SPECIAL CARE BEDS

Despite these successes, the judge revealed that four highly vulnerable children whom he had recently ordered to be detained in special care had been unable to obtain beds.

The shortage is attributed to difficulties recruiting and retaining staff.

Judge Jordan stressed that the positive outcomes for children receiving special care demonstrated what those denied placements were missing.

He said the children unable to access the service were suffering as a result.

TEENAGER FAILED BY THE SYSTEM

The court also heard about a teenager who had been waiting months for a special care bed.

By the time he finally received a placement, he had only a short period remaining before turning 18.

His court-appointed advocate, barrister Alan Brady, described the situation as deeply disappointing.

The teenager had subsequently faced criminal charges, and Mr Brady expressed concern that special care had come too late.

Judge Jordan agreed that the young man had been failed by the system.

Another teenager who had recently left special care upon turning 18 had deteriorated following discharge, according to the judge.

TUSLA FACES CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS

The report concludes by revealing that four sets of alleged contempt proceedings are underway against Tusla over failures to provide special care beds to children.

These proceedings raise serious questions about the State’s ability to comply with High Court orders intended to protect children facing significant risks.

TUSLA DATA CHIEF ACCUSED OF LACKING REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AS WHISTLEBLOWER RAISES CONCERNS OVER KYRAN DURNIN FILE BREACHES

Irish Daily Mail | 10 November 2026 | Muiris Ó Cearbhaill

A senior Tusla executive appointed to oversee data protection investigations allegedly lacked the required qualifications, according to a protected disclosure reported in today’s Irish Daily Mail.

The allegations raise questions about Tusla’s handling of confidential information, its response to whistleblowers and the independence of investigations into staff accessing sensitive files.

KYRAN DURNIN’S FILES ACCESSED INAPPROPRIATELY

The controversy centres partly on Kyran Durnin, the missing eight-year-old boy whose disappearance became the subject of a murder investigation in 2024.

The newspaper reports at least 22 instances of inappropriate access to Kyran’s files by Tusla staff without a legitimate reason.

The executive overseeing investigations into such breaches was reportedly appointed in 2024 without an open recruitment process.

A whistleblower alleges that the official lacked the level-nine qualification specified for the Data Protection Officer position.

ALLEGED BREACHES OF GDPR

The protected disclosure alleges non-compliance with Articles 37(1) and 37(5) of GDPR.

Article 37(5) requires Data Protection Officers to possess appropriate professional qualities and expert knowledge of data protection law and practices.

The whistleblower claims Tusla management failed to provide evidence of appropriate qualifications when concerns were raised.

The allegations have not been independently established.

CONCERNS ABOUT CONFIDENTIAL CHILDREN’S RECORDS

The newspaper also highlights wider concerns about Tusla employees accessing sensitive information without authorisation.

Tusla was previously investigated by the Data Protection Commission following procedural data protection breaches.

Internal reviews reportedly identified employees accessing confidential files without legitimate business reasons.

These revelations raise serious questions about safeguards protecting children and families.

TUSLA DENIES THE ALLEGATIONS

Tusla strongly disputes claims that the appointment was inappropriate.

It maintains that the official possesses the necessary qualifications and experience and says the Data Protection Commission approved the relevant qualifications.

The agency also says it has strengthened internal procedures for identifying and reporting data breaches.

Tusla maintains that its arrangements comply with data protection legislation.

CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

Fine Gael TD and Children’s Committee member Grace Boland has called for examination of the whistleblower’s allegations.

She warned that such concerns undermine public confidence in Tusla and stressed that employees must never access confidential files simply out of curiosity.

The newspaper also reports concerns about the independence and effectiveness of internal oversight.

CONCLUSION: WHO PROTECTS CHILDREN’S CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION?

These allegations raise fundamental questions about governance, professional competence and accountability within Tusla.

The agency holds exceptionally sensitive information concerning vulnerable children, birth parents and families involved in child protection proceedings.

The reported 22 instances of inappropriate access to Kyran Durnin’s files are particularly disturbing.

The allegations concerning the senior appointment require independent examination, taking account of Tusla’s response.

When the State removes children from their families, it assumes an extraordinary duty of care, including protecting their confidential information.

That responsibility demands effective safeguards, independent investigations and appropriately qualified oversight.

Without transparency, independent scrutiny and meaningful accountability, public confidence in Tusla will continue to be undermined.

TUSLA CRITICISED BY JUDGE AS HIGHLY VULNERABLE BOY IS SENT TO DETENTION DESPITE URGENT NEED FOR SPECIAL CARE

A deeply troubling case before Dublin District Children’s Court has raised serious questions about Tusla’s failure to provide timely protection for one of Ireland’s most vulnerable children.

According to a report by Kitty Holland, published in today’s  Irish Times, Judge Brendan Toale expressed profound frustration with Tusla after being forced to revoke the bail of a teenage boy who urgently requires specialist therapeutic care.

The judge made clear that special care should have been considered long before the situation reached this crisis.

CHILD IN VOLUNTARY CARE LEFT SLEEPING ROUGH

The teenager, who cannot be identified, has convictions involving stolen vehicles and dangerous driving.

Despite being released from Oberstown Children Detention Campus in September under strict bail conditions, he repeatedly disappeared, breached his curfew and continued engaging in dangerous behaviour.

Most disturbingly, the court heard that the boy, who is in voluntary care, had told a Garda he was sleeping outdoors most nights.

His circumstances raise serious questions about how a vulnerable child known to Tusla could repeatedly go missing and sleep rough while his behaviour continued to deteriorate.

JUDGE HAS LITTLE FAITH IN TUSLA’S ASSURANCES

The court heard that Tusla social workers had recommended the teenager for special care and that its referral committee was scheduled to consider his case on 19 November.

However, Judge Toale highlighted that Tusla had previously indicated it would pursue special care but had failed to do so.

He stated:

“I regret to say that I have very little faith in the latest report indicating that there is any real change in the Tusla position.”

The judge also declared:

“Special care should have been considered long before and I remain of that opinion.”

These are serious criticisms of an agency legally responsible for protecting vulnerable children.

DETENTION COULD PREVENT THE BOY RECEIVING SPECIAL CARE

The hearing exposed another disturbing problem.

Under existing legislation, Tusla cannot apply for a High Court special care order while a child is detained in Oberstown.

Consequently, revoking the teenager’s bail could prevent him from accessing the therapeutic care he urgently needs.

His barrister sought therapeutic bail, warning that detention would effectively return the special care process to the beginning.

Judge Toale questioned whether this legal restriction was genuinely in the best interests of vulnerable children.

He nevertheless revoked bail because of the teenager’s persistent breaches.

ANOTHER WARNING ABOUT TUSLA’S CHILD PROTECTION FAILURES

This case comes amid a wider crisis in Tusla’s special care services, with serious staffing shortages, unavailable beds and recent High Court findings of contempt arising from failures to comply with special care orders.

However, this case raises an additional concern: why was specialist intervention not progressed before the teenager’s circumstances deteriorated so seriously?

Why was a child in voluntary care repeatedly missing and sleeping outdoors?

Why did Tusla fail to pursue special care when it had previously indicated that it would?

And why must a judge choose between detention to address dangerous offending and preserving a vulnerable child’s opportunity to receive therapeutic care?

The teenager’s offending cannot be ignored. Public safety matters. But so does the State’s responsibility to protect children whose vulnerability is already known.

The question is whether Tusla failed to intervene effectively before this child reached the point where detention became the only immediately available response to his dangerous behaviour.

Judge Toale’s expressed lack of confidence in Tusla’s assurances should be treated as a serious warning.

Children should not have to reach crisis point before the State acts to protect them.

TUSLA, THE FAMILY COURTS AND GARDA WHISTLEBLOWERS RAISED AT WESTMINSTER

A major report by Crime Correspondent Debbie McCann in today’s Irish Mail on Sunday, 8 November 2026, examines serious concerns about Tusla, the Irish family courts and the treatment of Garda whistleblowers, following an intervention by Irish campaigner Anna Kavanagh at a parliamentary summit in the House of Commons, London, on Monday, 2 November.

Ms Kavanagh, co-founder and convenor of the Alliance of Birth Mothers Campaigning for Justice, addressed the summit entitled ‘Why We Must Protect the Wellbeing of Whistleblowers’, organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Investment Fraud and Fairer Financial Services.

At the centre of Ms Kavanagh’s contribution was the deeply disturbing case of a boy, referred to as Patrick, who disclosed alleged sexual abuse by his father and was subsequently removed from his mother’s care and placed in his father’s custody.

The newspaper reports that Patrick had displayed overt sexualised behaviour and had been hospitalised with injuries he claimed were caused by his father.

Despite serious concerns raised by professionals, including a court-appointed psychologist, a court order resulted in Patrick being removed from his mother’s care.

The case was previously raised in Dáil Éireann by Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, who described it as a very serious and complex issue.

The article also examines allegations concerning evidence presented by a social worker to the family court and the treatment of Garda whistleblowers who raised concerns.

According to the report, a Garda whistleblower who attempted to have his concerns independently investigated faced intimidation, disciplinary threats and allegations concerning his own conduct.

His identity was also disclosed by the Department of Justice, which subsequently issued a written apology in 2023.

These developments raise fundamental questions about the protection afforded to those who speak out when they believe a child is at risk.

TUSLA AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WERE INFORMED

Ms Kavanagh raised Patrick’s circumstances directly with Tusla CEO Kate Duggan in 2024 and subsequently brought the matter to the attention of senior officials in the Department of Children during 2025.

The newspaper reports that Children’s Minister Norma Foley confirmed that Tusla’s chief executive had been advised of the case and that a full internal review would be carried out.

“PATRICK’S VOICE DESERVES TO BE HEARD”

Speaking about the significance of raising these concerns at Westminster, Ms Kavanagh said the intervention represented an important step towards achieving justice.

She told the newspaper:

“Patrick’s voice deserves to be heard, his mother deserves answers, and those who raised concerns in an effort to protect him deserve protection rather than punishment.”

She also highlighted the importance of bringing serious concerns about Tusla, the Irish family courts and the treatment of Garda whistleblowers before an international parliamentary audience.

The revelations raise fundamental questions about the operation of Ireland’s child protection and family justice systems.

How are children protected when serious allegations of abuse arise during family court proceedings?

What happens when professionals raise safeguarding concerns?

Who protects Garda whistleblowers when they speak out?

And who is ultimately accountable when serious concerns remain unresolved for years?

Ms Kavanagh’s intervention at Westminster does not, in itself, deliver justice or establish the truth of allegations requiring independent investigation.

However, bringing these matters before an international parliamentary audience represents an important development in efforts to secure greater transparency, independent scrutiny and accountability

Patrick’s voice deserves to be heard. His mother deserves answers. And those who raise concerns in an effort to protect children deserve protection, not punishment