Tusla Struggles to Meet Surging Demand, Faces €68M Budget Deficit

As of August 4th, 2025, Tusla, Ireland's child and family agency, is facing a significant budget crisis. The agency has warned that it expects to overspend its budget by nearly €68 million this year, as it grapples with a surge in demand for its services.

According to Tusla's latest update, the agency has already overspent by €8.9 million as of May 2025, and this figure is likely to rise further by the end of the year. The agency cites several factors contributing to the budget shortfall, including the growing need for residential care, fostering, and services for separated children seeking asylum.

Tusla has stated that the cost of providing care for children in the international protection process and refugees from Ukraine alone is expected to reach €7.6 million. Additionally, the agency is facing high legal bills and the rising costs of out-of-state placements, where a small number of children are brought to the United Kingdom when services are not available in Ireland.

Despite efforts to cut costs, such as expanding residential provision to replace more expensive emergency arrangements, Tusla has warned that the demand-driven nature of its services makes it difficult to reduce expenditure without adversely impacting the support provided to vulnerable children and families.

The agency has also highlighted the increasing usage of Guardian ad Litem (GAL) arrangements, where a person is appointed to represent the interests of a child in court, as another factor contributing to the budget pressures.