Multi-Agency Initiative Supporting Vulnerable Children Wins Better Public Services Award

The Barnahus Ireland initiative, a cross-government partnership supporting children who have experienced sexual abuse, has won the Joined-Up Public Services category at the Better Public Services Awards 2026.

The nationwide rollout of Barnahus Ireland is transforming how Ireland supports

children who have experienced sexual abuse. Based on the Icelandic model, Barnahus brings all key services together under one child friendly roof, reducing the number of interviews and helping to minimise trauma during what can be an overwhelming time.

Since 2018, strong interagency cooperation across health, justice, child protection and policing has guided its development, with centres now operating in Galway and Cork, with advanced preparations in place to open the Dublin Centre, completing national coverage.

Welcoming the success, Secretary General of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Kevin McCarthy said:

"I am delighted that the Cross-Government Implementation of Barnahus in Ireland has been recognised with a Better Public Services Award.

Barnahus demonstrates the very best of public service collaboration, bringing together agencies across health, justice and child protection to deliver a child-centred response for children who have experienced sexual abuse.

Recognition through awards such as these is important as it highlights the impact that can be achieved when public services work together to deliver better outcomes for children and families.

I would like to congratulate everyone involved in Barnahus Ireland, as well as all of our partners who have contributed to its success."

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality congratulates staff and partners involved in the development and implementation of Barnahus Ireland.

The Joined-Up Public Services award recognises the collaborative work of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and Tusla, in partnership with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the Department of Health, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Children's Health Ireland. The Department has also been working closely with the European Union Secretariat General REFORM and the Council of Europe on supporting the national implementation of Barnahus Ireland.

In addition to the award-winning Barnahus initiative, DCDE projects were shortlisted in four other categories:

• Children and Young People's Participation in Decision-Making: An Introductory eLearning Course
• Co-Design Development of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030 in Partnership with Disability Stakeholders
• Bia Blasta Pre-School Nutrition Programme
• Growing Up in Ireland: Cohort '24'

The Department and its communications partner, We the People, also received a Highly Commended award in the Best Public Sector Campaign category at the PRCA Spotlight Awards 2026 for Seanad na nÓg.

Pictured (L-R): Julie O'Donnell (Barnahus General Manager, Tusla), Ger Brophy (Chief Social Worker, Tusla), Aisling Keane (Administrative Officer, DCDE), Lara Hynes (Assistant Secretary, DCDE) and Cormac Grundy (Principal Officer, DCDE) – winners of the Joined-Up Public Services