Photograph: Bryan O BrienTen private companies were paid €58 million between them to run emergency accommodation for children in State care last year, according to figures from Tusla, the child and family agency. One company was paid nearly €13 million to accommodate children taken into State care in unregulated placements, known as special emergency arrangements. More than 180 vulnerable children are living in these emergency arrangements, which are often in bed and breakfasts or rental properties run by care staff from private companies. The State agency paid 10 companies €58 million to run or staff such emergency accommodation last year, according to figures released to The Irish Times. Good People Homecare Ltd, a major supplier of agency staff to emergency accommodation for Tusla, was paid €5.3 million last year.

Source: The Irish Times March 04, 2024 22:09 UTC