Research and information management

Five organisations (Barnardos, Tusla, SCNN, TUI and IDEA) included research-related recommendations in their submissions. Barnardos, Tusla and SCNN, called for an increased focus on evidence-based policy-making on matters related to children, and highlighted the importance of collaboration with other Departments, agencies and NGOs in this regard. TUI called for additional research into the lives of children, taking into account the administrative burden and data protection issues, and recommended “funding the Irish component of the OECD TALIS study”. IDEA called for more research to establish a strong evidence base for development education in the Early Years and Youth sectors.

Tusla called for the Department to build on its bilateral agreement with the National Research Office (NRO), and discuss how the Department’s new functions will impact on the NRO work programme. Tusla suggested that the DCEDIY adopts an Open Science approach to research, and suggested the establishment of a joint data hub to share external research relevant to both entities. Tusla also requested guidance and/or policy on ethical research with children in light of new developments such as GDPR; Health Research Regulations 2018; Data Protection Commissioner Guidance on digital consent for children; and HSE policies on acquiring research consent.

In addition, Tusla suggested that a decision be made on the funding of a longitudinal study of children in care, in order to help better understand the long-term outcomes of individuals with a care history. Tusla suggested that the DCEDIY consider a joint Tusla/DCEDIY scholarship programme to encourage academic research on children, particularly research that adopts a Public Patient Involvement approach. Tusla and the SCNN both recommended including the perspectives of children, wherever possible, in research.