Tusla CEO Apologises For Term Used After Alleged Assault Of 10-Year-Old In Citywest

Thursday, 27 November 2025 14:47

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Kate Duggan told an Oireachtas committee today that Tusla regrets the wording of an official statement issued after the incident - a statement which said the child had “absconded” while on a trip with staff in Dublin city centre.

Tusla’s Chief Executive has apologised for language used during the agency’s handling of a recent case involving a 10-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted after leaving State care.

That language prompted criticism, with some TDs saying it leaned towards blaming the victim.

Ms Duggan said the agency has taken that "on board”, acknowledging the impact of the statement and apologising for how it was released.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the alleged assault, while the case is also being examined by the National Review Panel.

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