From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth 
Published on 11 January 2024
Last updated on 11 January 2024
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman has reappointed Pat Rabbitte as the Chairperson of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. This will be Mr. Rabbitte’s second term and by agreement between Mr. Rabbitte and the Minister, will conclude after 2 years, on 30 December 2025. This allows for continuity of key personnel in Tusla’s governance structure.
Mr. Rabbitte has served as a public representative for 30 years, including periods in Government as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2011 to 2014. Mr. Rabbitte was appointed as Chairperson to the Tusla Board from 31 December 2018 for a term of five years. His first term expired on 31 December 2023. He, along with the Board, will continue to work with Tusla’s CEO and Executive Management Team to drive the Agency’s reform programme which is transforming service delivery, with the intention of providing timely and equitable access to integrated services, while fostering public trust and supporting staff.
Minister O’Gorman said:
“I would sincerely like to thank Pat for his service to date, and for his willingness to continue to serve as Board Chairperson. Pat has helped steer Tusla through significant recent turbulent events like the COVID-19 pandemic and welcoming children from Ukraine who need the protection of this State. I want to wish him the best for his second term and I look forward to working with him over the next two years.”
Notes
Section 19(2) of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, states that a member of the Board whose term of office expires or is about to expire, is eligible for reappointment to the Board, but may not serve for more than 2 consecutive terms.
Following consultation with the Minister, Mr. Rabbitte confirmed his willingness to serve a second term as Chairperson, for two years. This second term will conclude on 30 December 2025.
Consent for this reappointment was sought and received from the Minister of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, in accordance with Section 19(2) of the Act.