Autism Protocol FAQ

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A new Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathway Protocol (Autism Protocol) has been launched by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, HSE chief executive Anne O’Connor and Minister of State for Disability Emer Higgins.

On implementation, clinicians in the HSE, Section 38 and 39 organisations funded by the HSE and private providers will use the Autism Protocol. It is intended that this will provide a standardised and more specialised route for autism assessment.

The protocol will introduce a tiered approach to autism assessment, which aligns with research evidence that some presentations of autism are easier to identify than are others.

The Autism Protocol has been developed with input from people with lived experience, clinicians involved in autism assessments, and staff in disability, primary care and mental health services.

Full information on the Autism Protocol can be found on the HSE website.

See below Frequently Asked Questions, which provide information on what the new Autism Protocol will mean for children and adults seeking assessment.

Autism_Protocol_FAQ May 2026
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Minister Foley announces €400,000 in funding for new recreational spaces for teenagers

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has today announced €400,000 in funding for new recreational spaces for teenagers.

The four projects will provide safe, attractive places for young people to meet friends, spend time outdoors and engage in unstructured play and recreation.

The projects include sheltered areas for all-weather use with comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and accessible design.

Minister Foley said:

“I am delighted to announce four new teenage specific recreational spaces under the ‘Making Spaces for and with Teenagers Initiative.’ This will provide our young people with opportunities to meet and spent time together in a place they can call their own. There are innovative features such as music speakers, work-out equipment, football tables, table tennis tables, an in-ground trampoline suitable for wheelchairs and even designs suitable for parkour movements.

Young people have played a key role in the development and evaluation of these recreational spaces. That is as it should be. It is wonderful to see this project grow and expand to more areas around Ireland.”

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality secured Dormant Accounts Funding and National Development Plan funding for the project following the successful 2025 pilot, Making Places for and with Teenagers.

All projects will receive €100,000 each and were designed in consultation with young people to be responsive to their needs.

Following an evaluation process, which included representation from the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive, the following projects are now announced as the successful applicants:

Making Spaces for and with Teenagers – A Dormant Accounts and NDP funded project

Awards 2026
Local Authority Project Title and description Award
Longford County Council

ESPACE, an inclusive and accessible outdoor space at the front of the Green in Edgeworthstown, Longford, where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered.  Key features will include sheltered areas for all-weather use, comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and accessible design. Physical activity elements, such as low-impact exercise equipment, will also be included to support wellbeing.

Accessibility and inclusion are central to the design. The layout allows for ease of movement for all users, including those with additional needs, and incorporates quieter areas for relaxation or for those with sensory sensitivities.

 €100,000
Westmeath County Council

Teen Zone @ Athlone RSC Fitness Park – A Dedicated Outdoor Space for Teenagers will support both physical activity and mental wellbeing by providing a safe, attractive place for young people to meet friends, spend time outdoors and engage in unstructured play and recreation. Proposed amenities include areas that would particularly appeal to teenage girls including social “hang-out” seating points, calisthenics equipment and a music post, along with football tables, an in-ground trampoline suitable for wheelchairs and an accessible swing.

 €100,000
Waterford City and County Council

Teen Space in Carrickphierish Recreation Park in Waterford City will deliver the first dedicated Teenage Hangout Space in County Waterford.  The area will provide an open hang out space, scattered informal seating, sheltered areas with minimal facilities for physical activity, music speaker posts, soft bond rubber area and a design that will allow for parkour movements.

 €100,000
Mayo County Council

Friary Grounds Teen Zone, Ballyhaunis, will provide an area to congregate and shelter, the provision to play music, an opportunity to play table tennis, durable surfacing and passive lighting.

 €100,000

 

Local Authorities, working with their local Comhairle na nÓg (local youth councils), were invited to develop and submit a proposal for a project to address the recreational needs of teenagers in their local authority area, up to a maximum cost of €100,000, with matched funding of 25% required from the Local Authority. The total funding available was €400,000.

There are almost 500,000 children aged 12-18 in the country according to Census 2022.

Teenagers are acknowledged to be at a distinct social disadvantage when it comes to enjoying their right to play and recreation. The recently published report, Play and Recreation Provision for Children and Adolescents: A National Review for Ireland 2024 commissioned by DCDE, notes that the adolescent population (12-18 Years) clearly stands out as under-resourced or under-facilitated in relation to their play and recreation needs in comparison to children 0-11 years. There are around 787,000 children aged 0-11, according to Census 2022.

The provision of playgrounds for young children has improved in recent years with around 960 playgrounds available in 31 councils around the country. In contrast, 47% of local authorities did not provide any play facilities for children back in 1999.

There are now 171 council-owned multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and 59 skate parks which are designed for children aged 12-18.

3D visual of Longford Park
Aerial Visualisation of Mayo Application
3D visualisation of Waterford Application

Minister Foley welcomes the appointment of Dr. Aisling Parkes as Special Rapporteur on Child Protection

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The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today announced the appointment by the Government of Dr. Aisling Parkes as Special Rapporteur on Child Protection for a two-year term until 19 May 2028.

The Minister welcomed Dr. Parkes to the role saying:

“The Special Rapporteur on Child Protection plays a critical role in examining and reporting to Government on legal, legislative and litigation-related child protection matters. Dr. Parkes brings a depth of relevant experience to the role, and I look forward to working with her over the course of her term”

The appointment follows an open competition run by Public Jobs.

Speaking today, Dr. Parkes said:

“I look forward to working independently but constructively with relevant stakeholders to examine legal developments in child protection, with a particular focus on ensuring that the perspectives, rights and lived experiences of children and young people inform recommendations for reform.”

Dr. Parkes is a senior academic and researcher in domestic child law and international children’s rights in University College Cork. Dr. Parkes has over twenty years’ experience in informing policy and legal developments in the areas of child and family law, children’s rights, child protection, and international human rights law.

Notes to Editors

The Job Specification underpinning the recruitment process for the 2026 – 2028 Term is as follows:

· The Special Rapporteur is required to prepare one Annual Report for each year of the two-year term, examining the impact on child protection, if any, of relevant national and international legal and legislative developments during the previous year.

· Additionally, at the request of the Minister or on the proposal of the Special Rapporteur, and agreed between the Minister and Special Rapporteur, the Special Rapporteur may be asked to prepare at least one thematic report over the course of the two-year term.

· The Rapporteur is accountable to the Government. The Annual Report submitted to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality will be submitted to Government for approval to publish and will be laid before the Oireachtas and published.

· The term of office for the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection is two years. An annual stipend of €25,000 per annum is payable to the appointee in respect of the required outputs of the role.

Background Information on Dr. Aisling Parkes

Education

· PhD in Law, University College Cork (2007) – specialising in children’s rights, child law and the voice of the child (Article 12 UNCRC)

· LLM (Hons), University College Cork (2001) University College Cork, 2001

· MA in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, University College Cork, 2011

· MA in Applied Psychology (Coaching Psychology), University College Cork, 2016

· BA (Applied Psychology), University College Cork, 2021

· BCL (Hons, University College Cork, 2000

Current Position

Dr Parkes is a Senior Lecturer in Law at University College Cork, and a nationally and internationally recognised expert in child and family law, children’s rights, and child protection. She brings over twenty years’ experience in academic research, teaching, and policy engagement in the field of children’s rights and family justice.

Her academic work is widely recognised internationally, including the publication of her work titled Children and International Human Rights Law: The Right of the Child to be Heard (Routledge), as well as an extensive body of peer‑reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and policy reports on child protection, family law, and children’s participation rights.

Dr Parkes has significant experience influencing policy and practice at both national and international level. She has acted as an Independent Expert to the Council of Europe, contributing to the development of European standards on children with imprisoned parents, and has worked on a wide range of government‑commissioned and NGO‑commissioned research projects addressing child protection, adoption, domestic violence, and family justice reform, and led the Department of Justice commissioned report into the Operation of the in camera rule in family law proceedings (2025). Dr Parkes has also contributed extensively to professional education and training nationally and internationally, delivering specialist training to judges, legal practitioners, and child protection professionals. She is actively involved with a number of children’s rights national and international organisations and networks, including the Children’s Rights Alliance, the Children of Prisoners Europe network and other research and policy groups focused on advancing children’s rights.

Previous Career History

· Lecturer in Law, School of law, University College Cork (2008–2019)

· Programme Director, Law School, Griffith College Cork (2006-2008)

· Part-time lecturer and tutor in Law, UCC (2002-2006)

Publications (Selected)

· Parkes A., (PI) McCaughren S., Burns, K., D’jalma Torres Sánchez M., The Operation of the In Camera Rule in Family Law Proceedings (Dublin: Government of Ireland, 2025) April 2025.https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/The_Operation_of_the_In_Camera_Rule_in_Family_Law_Proceedings.pdf .

· Parkes, A. Children and International Human Rights Law: The Right of the Child to be Heard (UK/NYC: Routledge-Cavendish, 2013, 2015)

· Parkes A. & Donson F., Parental Imprisonment and Children’s Rights (UK: Routledge, 2021)

· Parkes, A., McCaughren, S, Holt, S, ‘The Voice of the Child? The Child has no Voice. An Irish Study Exploring the Voice of Young Children in Decisions regarding Contact’ European Social Work Research, 2(3), 204-223.

· McCaughren, S., Holt, S., Parkes, A., Gregory, S., Research Report on Guidance on Contact Time for Infants and Young Children in Separated Families, Trinity College Dublin, December, 2022, p1 – 180 Report, 2022

Awards (Selected)

2024 Leadership Award, College of Business and Law Awards, UCC

2021 Peter Dempsey Award, School of Applied Psychology, UCC

2016 Frank McGrath Perpetual Award for Equality and Welfare 2016

2016 UCC Research Team of the Year 201

2014 UCC Presidents Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Children’s Creative Spaces

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley invited children from Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare services across the country to take part in Children’s Creative Spaces celebrating the theme “Where I learn and play” The aim is to give children the opportunity to express creativity, belonging, and their own experiences of their setting (Early Years or School‑Age Childcare/After‑School) adding their voice as part of the National Conversation on Education: the First Five Years and School-Age Childcare.

Congratulations to all the children and early years educators from Co. Carlow who took part in the Children’s Creative Spaces Initiative.

Each submission shows the imagination, care and effort children put into expressing their own experiences of their Early Years Setting.

Well done to everyone involved your hard work and creativity really shines through in these submissions.

Ministers Foley and Buttimer announce details of My Little Library 2026

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley together with Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer are delighted to announce the launch of the My Little Library Initiative 2026.

Each year in Ireland, children leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag on starting school and take the opportunity to join the library.

The initiative, which is funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, is run in association with the Local Government Management Agency and delivered by local libraries in every local authority. The focus of the My Little Library initiative is to build strong links between young children, their families and their local library and support children finishing pre-school and starting school.

From Friday, 8 May all children completing the Government funded pre-school programme (Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme) and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library and pick up a book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer. All families are warmly welcomed to join the library if they aren’t already members and a special My Little Library wallet is available for the children to keep their library card in.

The books and resources in the book bag support parents and their children in the transition to primary school. The bag contains books for the children to keep, with topics such as starting school, making friends and big emotions. It also has some very useful information for parents on supporting that start in primary school and what’s on offer at each local library.

My Little Library Book Bags are available in English and Irish.

Since the initiative was rolled out for the first time in 2022, tens of thousands of young children have picked up their book bags and joined their local library. Last year alone, 20,000 young children benefited from the initiative and became library members.

In making the announcement, Minister Foley said:

“I am thrilled to announce the launch of the My Little Library initiative 2026. The transition from pre-school to primary school is such an important moment for every child in Ireland. I encourage all families who have children starting primary school in September to avail of this initiative and to join the library in the process.”

The Minister added:

“The gift of reading to and with children on a regular basis cannot be overestimated. It not only supports connections between parents and their children but also promotes early language and literacy development which is crucial for children’s success in their continuing education journey.”

Acknowledging the central role of the national library service in ensuring the success of the initiative, Minister Buttimer said:

“I warmly welcome the launch of the 2026 My Little Library Initiative. I’ve visited so many libraries around the country in the last year, and I know that our public library staff nationwide share my enthusiasm for connecting young families with our excellent national library service.

“I must acknowledge their hard work in delivering this initiative. We are very lucky in Ireland that every child has access to books and stories through their local library. This initiative is a lovely way of helping parents support their children with their transition to primary school and their learning and development.”

Dr Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome children and families into their local libraries through the My Little Library initiative. It introduces young children to the joy of reading, supports early language and literacy development, and helps them feel at home in their library from an early age.

“Libraries are welcoming, community spaces, and this initiative is a wonderful first step in building a lifelong relationship with reading and learning.”

My Little Library is a collaboration between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and Local Government Ireland.

Note to Editors

  • The My Little Library book bag is now available in local libraries for all children starting primary school in September.
  • The initiative is available annually.
  • My Little Library Bags and books are available in Irish and English.
  • A glossary of the language in the Irish books is included in the Irish bags.
  • A collection of resources and information is also provided in each bag, including: a library social story card, Little Library colouring sheet, First 5 Guidance for Parents of Children Moving from Pre-School to Primary School, Dyslexia and the Younger Child by Dyslexia Ireland and Bookshare Ireland by Vision Ireland. Ireland has 330 public libraries, which are managed by the local authority in the area in which they are located.

This initiative is supported under First 5. Published in 2018, First 5 is a ten-year Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families. The Strategy works to enhance early childhood and make a significant contribution to the lives of young children, their families and society over the short, medium and longer term. More information can be found on the First 5 website at: www.first5.gov.ie/

This initiative is an action under the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f341-towards-a-new-literacy-numeracy-and-digital-literacy/

And

The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration – National Public Library Strategy 2023-2027. https://www.gov.ie/en/news/e6d8e-the-library-is-the-place-new-five-year-strategy-for-public-libraries-unveiled/

Guidance for Developing Ethical Research Projects Involving Children and Young Adults

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Since the publication of Guidance for Developing Ethical Research Projects Involving Children (DCYA, 2012) Ireland has witnessed significant developments in the legal and policy landscape. Notably, the enactment of the Children First Act 2015 (Government of Ireland, 2015) introduced statutory child protection reporting obligations for professionals, including researchers. Additionally, the increasing incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into national policy has strengthened children’s right to be heard (Article 12 UNCRC). These changes have prompted a shift towards more participatory, inclusive, and rights-based approaches in research involving children and young people.

In light of these developments, The Department of Children, Disability, and Equality commissioned researchers at Stranmillis University College to undertake a comprehensive programme of work to produce an updated and enhanced guidance document.

The Guidance for Developing Ethical Research Projects Involving Children and Young Adults is designed to be read by policy makers commissioning or funding research involving children and young people as participants, and researchers seeking to do work with or for policy makers where the research will involve children and young people.

This guidance is informed by findings from this consultation process and evidence review, which are detailed in the companion document Co-Creating Ethical Research: A Framework Informed by Babies, Children, Young People, and Adults.

Guidance for Developing Ethical Research Projects Involving Children and Young Adults
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Co-Creating Ethical Research: A Framework Informed by Babies, Children, Young People, and Adults
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Parent Consultation Guidelines: A Step-by-Step Guide for Consultations with Parents

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The step by step guide can be found at the following link: Parent Consultation Guidelines: A Step-by-Step Guide for Consultations with Parents

Minister Foley welcomes publication of guidelines for consulting with parents

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has welcomed the publication of Guidelines for Consulting with Parents following a launch event which is taking place this afternoon.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality commissioned the National Parents Council to develop a set of best practice guidelines which can be utilised by Government departments, State agencies, local authorities, schools, voluntary bodies and any practitioners wanting to capture the voice of parents. The National Parents Council liaised with the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, in the National Disability Authority from the outset of the project to ensure that the guidelines are inclusive of all parent groups.

The guidelines lay out practical and easy to follow steps that can be used by any organisation engaging with parents throughout the consultation process. The guidelines offer step-by-step directions for a wide variety of consultation types including online surveys, one-to-one meetings, and in-person/online group consultation sessions.

Speaking following today’s launch, Minister Foley said:

“I am delighted to see the publication of these guidelines, which have been specifically designed to give organisations engaging with parents a step-by-step roadmap that will support them throughout the entire consultation process.

I am confident this will be a valuable resource which will result in better outcomes for parents and children, and the organisations working to support them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the National Parents Council for their work in developing these guidelines.”

CEO of the National Parents Council, Áine Lynch commented:

“Parents play a central role in their children’s lives, and meaningful consultation is essential to strengthening relationships and improving outcomes for families.”

Organisations can access the Guidelines for Consulting with Parents here.

The guidelines were developed as part of an action of Supporting Parents: A National Model of Parenting Support Services, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s cross government approach to strengthening parenting supports across Ireland. The Supporting Parents model is informed by research, consultation and direct engagement with parents, children and young people.

Minister Foley welcomes launch of new Tusla National Counselling Service for Foster Carers

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has welcomed the launch of an independent national counselling service for foster carers, which goes live today.

The LENA service, which is being rolled out by Tusla, enables foster carers to access a wellness hub including one-to-one counselling sessions free of charge, provided by independent and suitably qualified professionals. This allows carers to seek help with guaranteed confidentiality and privacy, without needing to go through their link workers or social workers, thereby encouraging early engagement with support services.

Under the service, foster carers will be entitled to up to six counselling sessions in each 12-month period, though additional supports may be provided in circumstances where longer-term needs are identified.

Counselling sessions will be available to all foster carers, as well as their children over the age of 16, and can be accessed in person, by telephone or online. Foster carers can request access to the service on their own behalf or can be referred with their consent by their social work team.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, said:

“Foster carers and their families play an invaluable role in the lives of the children in their care. It is vital that they are facilitated with the resources they need to feel equipped to provide a safe home for some of the most vulnerable children in the State.

The new counselling service offers foster carers access to independent and confidential counselling supports, guided by trauma-informed practices and professionals in a safe and accessible environment. This is a great opportunity to truly give foster carers access to supports that they may need.”

Jacqueline Smyth, Tusla Fostering’s national lead for foster care, commented:

“This is an important development for foster carers. While the supports provided through Tusla are essential, having an independent service like LENA offers an additional confidential layer of support that is separate from the care system. Our foster carers have discussed the need for a service such as this, and we are delighted to be able to provide it. It means foster carers can access help when they need it in a way that feels safe and accessible”.

“Foster carers give so much of themselves to support children and young people. Having a confidential, independent counselling service like LENA mean they can access support in their own time, on their own terms, and with complete peace of mind. On behalf of Tusla Fostering, I thank the Minister for funding this service.”

The establishment of the new service reflects contemporary practice and knowledge surrounding the delivery of trauma-informed therapeutic supports.

Foster care is the bedrock of our alternative care system, with 3,782 people on the panel of approved foster carers as of Q4 2025. 88% of children in state care in Ireland are living with a loving foster family.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer is encouraged to contact Tusla on tusla.fostering@tusla.ie or by phone on 1800 226 771.

Notes to editors

  • The rollout of the service is being carried out by Tusla and is funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF), through which €300,000 was allocated for the purpose of foster care counselling and psychological supports this year.
  • The measure, as set out in the DAF Action Plan 2026, aims to help foster carers and children in care, whilst informing future service provision of counselling and psychological supports.
  • Lena (by Inspire) is an independent mental health and wellbeing support service which offers a number of supports including confidential counselling.
  • The establishment of the service reflects contemporary practice and knowledge surrounding the delivery of trauma-informed therapeutic supports, provided by suitably qualified professionals.
  • The service is open to any and all foster carers (and their children over 16, with parental consent) who can access one-to-one supports independently and confidentially, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, upon any welfare issue raised by the client.
  • The LENA contact number is 1800 817433.
Minister Norma Foley with Jacqueline Smyth, Tusla Fostering National Lead for Foster Care and Sephine Morris, Tusla Foster Carer and Peer Support Worker and
Jacqueline Smyth, Tusla Fostering National Lead for Foster Care; Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality; Sephine Morris, Tusla Foster Carer and Peer Support Worker

Minister Foley visiting Limerick to mark key developments in family support, disability and respite services

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The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, is today visiting a range of family support, disability and respite services across Limerick, meeting with service providers, staff, families and community organisations.

The visit will highlight ongoing investment in both new and existing services in Limerick, including community‑based family supports, adult disability day services and children’s respite care, delivered in partnership with Tusla, the HSE and voluntary service providers.

Speaking today, Minister Foley said:

“I am very pleased to be in Limerick today to visit a range of family support, disability and respite services and to meet with the staff, service providers, families and community organisations who rely on and deliver these supports. Today’s visits highlight the continued investment being made in both new and existing services, and the importance of partnership between Government, the HSE, Tusla and voluntary providers in ensuring people can access high‑quality supports within their own communities.”

Southill Family Resource Centre

Minister Foley will begin her visit at Southill Family Resource Centre, one of 136 Family Resource Centres funded nationally through Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

Southill Family Resource Centre is a voluntary‑led family support service providing a wide range of community‑based supports to children, parents and families in Limerick. The centre offers family support, counselling services, parenting programmes, education and training, advocacy supports and a range of community and peer‑led groups.

The service receives €180,000 in annual core funding under the Family Resource Centre Programme through Tusla, alongside additional funding for counselling supports and local community initiatives. Southill Family Resource Centre was also recently awarded €5,000 under the Parent Peer Support Fund 2026, from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, to support its parent support group.

Riverview Day Service, Rehab Group

The Minister will then officially open the new Riverview Day Service, operated by Rehab Group, at George’s Quay in Limerick City.

Riverview Day Service is a HSE funded adult day service providing specialised, individualised supports to adults with intellectual disabilities, many of whom require one‑to‑one staff support. In collaboration with the HSE, RehabCare transitioned the service from its former location at Rockfield House to this new, purpose‑adapted facility.

The move represents a significant investment in accessibility and service quality and will enable Riverview to increase its capacity, improving access to adult day services in Limerick City.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Foley said:

“I am delighted to open this fantastic new day service location for people with disabilities right in the heart of Limerick City. People who attend Riverview have great opportunities to live the lives of their choosing, including accessing paid employment, volunteering, charity fundraising, joining social groups and pursing health and fitness goals. This new, modern facility is an excellent example of the positive change that can be achieved through Government investment and strong partnership between the Community and Voluntary sector and the HSE.”

Avista Children’s Respite House, Annacotty

The visit will conclude with a sod‑turning ceremony at the site of the new Avista Children’s Respite House in Annacotty.

The development marks the commencement of construction of a new, purpose‑built children’s respite facility, which will expand respite capacity for children with disabilities and their families in Limerick and the wider Mid‑West region.

Minister Foley added:

“High‑quality respite services are essential for children with disabilities and their families. This new respite house represents an important step in expanding capacity and ensuring families can access safe, supportive and well‑designed respite services close to home.”

The Government has committed significant additional funding to respite service development nationally, including €25 million in new development funding in Budget 2026, alongside ongoing work by the HSE and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to improve access and develop a National Respite Framework.