Minister for Children Norma Foley has confidence in Tusla despite the reports coming out of Citywest Hotel in Saggart.
Journalist Paul Healy of the Irish Mirror has reported this week that Gardaí are investigating the alleged rape of a 10-year-old Irish girl on the grounds of the Citywest Hotel, which is currently being used to house asylum seekers. The child is now receiving support and medical attention in the aftermath of the incident.
According to the Irish Mirror, the suspect is an adult male asylum seeker from Africa, while the girl is understood to be under the care of Tusla. The newspaper also notes that the child was not staying in the hotel, and Gardaí are attempting to determine how she ended up there. The man has been charged with sexual assault and is being questioned by Garda investigators. He has been provided with an Arabic interpreter, and legal aid was approved after the court heard that he is unemployed.
Separately, The Irish Times reports that the accused arrived in Ireland six years ago and was refused international protection in 2024. The paper further states that a deportation order has been in place against him since March of this year.
Gardaí have opened a criminal investigation into the matter.
Foley has confirmed that she has spoken with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan about the case, and said she still has confidence in Tusla despite everything, insisting that the “vast majority” of children in its care are safe. However, she acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, describing the allegations as “a very, very worrying case.”
She has directed Tusla’s National Review Panel to open an inquiry into the incident, explaining that the body which handles serious cases involving children in Tusla care should “immediately begin” its work. As part of that process, she has also asked that “an interim report” be delivered “as soon as possible.”
When asked about deadlines, Foley said she would not set out a specific timeframe. A criminal investigation is already in progress, and, she stressed, “I don’t want to hinder that work.”
A full review will now follow.
This morning Tánaiste Simon Harris urged “calm” in the wake of the alleged incident, which he described as “deeply distressing, horrifying, shocking” and “profoundly concerning”.