Ireland’s Child Care Crisis Deepens: Over 1,100 Children in Unregulated Emergency Accommodation

The number of children in state care placed in unregulated “Special Emergency Arrangements” (SEAs) in Ireland has nearly doubled between 2023 and 2025, reaching 1,121, according to figures obtained by RTÉ News. This reliance on private accommodation, often hotels and short-term rentals, has sparked widespread criticism from advocacy groups and legal experts, raising serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children.

Rising Numbers and Lack of Oversight

In 2023, 635 children were in SEA placements. By 2025, this number rose to 1,121. Of these, 350 children originated from households within Ireland, while 771 were seeking international protection. A growing number of younger children are also being placed in these arrangements, with 56 children under 12 in SEAs in 2025, compared to 49 in 2023.

These placements are not subject to inspections by the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA), the State’s independent health and social care watchdog, leading to concerns about standards of care. While Tusla, the child and family agency, states it monitors these placements, the number of monitoring visits has actually decreased – from 148 in 2023 to just 67 in 2025. Tusla attributes this decrease to a shift in monitoring strategy, initially focusing on visiting every provider and then transitioning to a shared services approach.

Vetting Concerns and Provider Referrals

Serious concerns have emerged regarding staff vetting within some of these private accommodations. Tusla has referred five providers to the Garda National Vetting Bureau due to concerns over staff vetting and has ceased using eight others that failed to meet required standards. Recent cases, such as that of Good People Homecare providing forged Garda vetting clearances, highlight the risks involved. A care home owner was also recently sentenced for using “altered” Garda staff vetting and fake background checks, described by the judge as being “at the high water mark of criminality.”

Criticism and Legal Challenges

Advocacy groups and legal experts are strongly critical of the use of SEAs. Nuala Ward, Director of Investigations at the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, has stated that these arrangements are “unlawful” and should be banned, describing them as simply “accommodation” due to a lack of suitable placements. She emphasized the risks of sexual exploitation for children in these unregulated environments. Barnardos has also stated that these placements are unlawful and unsuitable, often consisting of holiday homes or rented houses.

Financial Costs and Government Response

The use of SEAs comes at a significant financial cost. Over the past three years, approximately €188 million has been paid to private companies for these arrangements: €70 million in 2023, €60 million in 2024, and €57 million in 2025.

The Department of Children has acknowledged a 500% increase in the number of separated children seeking international protection since 2022, contributing to the increased demand for accommodation. The department states it is prioritizing funding for residential care and working with the Department of Public Expenditure to address the challenges.

Calls for Investment and Systemic Change

Experts argue that the crisis requires significant investment from the government, specifically targeted at increasing capacity in regulated residential homes and supporting foster carers. Terry Dignan, Director of Don Bosco Care, emphasized that this is a government responsibility, not solely a Tusla issue. Wayne Stanley, Chief Executive of Epic, a charity supporting children in care, expressed concerns about the quality of staff in some SEAs and reiterated that these arrangements should only be used in emergencies.

Key Takeaways

• The number of children in unregulated emergency accommodation has significantly increased in recent years.
• Concerns exist regarding staff vetting and the lack of oversight in these placements.
• Advocacy groups and legal experts are calling for the abolition of SEAs and increased investment in regulated care options.
• The crisis is exacerbated by a surge in the number of children seeking international protection.