THE NATIONAL REVIEW Panel, which conducts reviews in child deaths and serious incidents, is to be placed on a statutory footing. 

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is bringing a memo to Cabinet this week seeking approval for the publication of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025.

This is an update of key child protection legislation which was first put in place in 1991.

The government believes it will provide for greater cooperation and coordination across agencies and departments, promoting a more agile response across the State in keeping children safe from harm.

The minister said putting the National Review Panel on a statutory basis will further strengthen its independence.

The move comes just two months after the chair of the panel Helen Buckley defended the independence of the panel after the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection Caoilfhionn Gallagher said the panel was “not operationally independent of Tusla” and it had no statutory power. She also said the processes are not transparent.

The Ombudsman for Children Niall Muldoon made similar criticisms, stating that the panel had no independent authority to publish reports. He highlighted that both Tusla and the Department of Children agreed that it is not fit for purpose since 2018.

The panel has come under the spotlight following some high profile cases. 

It was tasked and has completed its draft report into the Kyran Durnin case. 

Kyran was last seen in June 2022. He was six years old at the time.

Despite extensive investigations, gardaí have been unable to locate him or determine what happened.

Buckley has said she believed it should be possible to publish that report without interfering in the Garda investigation.

The memo comes shortly after Children’s Minister Norma Foley Minister has said she is working with Tusla to provide a “clearer” definition of children in care who go missing.