Courts / Donegal / Report

Tusla official tells tribunal she felt professional integrity was "attacked"

Date
2017-10-03

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Donegal

County
Donegal

Summary

Two senior Tusla officials from County Donegal have told the Charleton tribunal that allegations of improper pressure on the child protection agency have damaged their professional reputations. Social worker Donna McTeague and her line manager Bridgeen Smith, Team Leader at the time, both rejected suggestions they were directed by gardaí to conduct a home visit to a garda and his partner in February 2014. Ms McTeague stated she received no direction from gardaí or her supervisor regarding the visit. Ms Smith categorically denied being "leaned on" by a sergeant to arrange the home visit, describing such allegations as an attack on her professional integrity. The tribunal, chaired by Mr Justice Peter Charlton, is examining contacts between gardaí and the HSE/Tusla relating to allegations of abuse of power. Following the 2014 home visit, Tusla closed the case, finding no risk to children in the household. Ms McTeague noted she lacked access to relevant documentation at the time, which she said would have enabled a more thorough assessment.