Despite recent controversy, we can rely on Tusla to protect our children

There aren’t enough social workers, and sometimes that means that children aren’t reached quickly enough, says Fergus Finlay.

You’re a teacher. You’re a neighbour. You’re an uncle or aunt. And you have a real concern that a child near you is at risk. You try to keep a closer eye on things, and the anxiety grows.

There may be signs of hunger, or it may be obvious that the child isn’t sleeping, or is out too late in the neighbourhood. You may see a bruise on the child’s arm or leg. A child might have confided in you that they are frightened, or even that something bad has happened to them.