RECKLESS

Tusla castigated for sending insensitive letters to child abuse victims – 16 years after victims made allegations to gardaí

VICTIMS who gave statements to gardaí about abuse suffered in childhood have been shocked to receive letters from Tusla 16 years on.

Tusla contacted a number of victims by post with the names of perpetrators printed in bold at the top of the letters – potentially bringing back painful memories for recipients.

The Irish Mail on Sunday has seen a number of letters which were sent by regular post.

Dublin councillor Mannix Flynn is among the men who received letters which he says refer to the darkest days of his childhood.

Mr Flynn, a well-known campaigner for victims of abuse, described the letters as ‘reckless’ and said receiving them after 16 years was an ‘absolute shock’.

The letters were sent to an address in Co. Kerry where Mr Flynn had an address at the time, suggesting that the Child and Family Agency is using old information to contact potential victims.

It has already admitted an administrative

CHILD and family agency Tusla is advertising for a senior manager to ‘transform’ the service for up to €108,000 pay a year.

The role of ‘Director of Transformation and Policy’ will involve working on the findings of a recent review on service delivery, according to the advert.

Referring to ‘organisation transformation’, it says the new director will be expected to set up a ‘programme management service’ to reshape how Tusla works.

Applicants need to have a minimum five years’ experience in the management of transformation and have shown proven leadership.

The successful applicant will also work with the head of communications and can expect a salary ranging from €89,212 to €108,332, depending on experience, for a 37hour week and 30 days’ holidays a year.

Tusla was set up in 2014 with a combined remit to take over the childcare functions of the HSE’s Children and Family Services, the National Educational Welfare Board and the Family Support Agency.