The Government has been accused of using “excuses” to avoid answering questions on a controversial programme that costs taxpayers millions of dollars.

Opposition senator Robin Tucker made the allegation after asking questions in the Upper House on the psycho-education programme, which funds care for troubled children at facilities overseas.

The programme, which is run by the Department of Child and Family Services, is estimated to have cost the Government $33 million between 2009 and 2019.

Ms Tucker said that although questions about the programme have been repeatedly asked in the media, “very little information has been forthcoming”.

Ms Tucker said she submitted several questions to Lindsay Simmons, the Junior Minister of Seniors and Social Development, before last week’s Senate session.

Ms Tucker said: “The Senate learnt that between fiscal 2019 and 2022, the Government spent $5,878,777.88 on children in these overseas facilities.

“As a follow-up, Senator Simmons was asked to give a breakdown of amounts paid to each facility, and although it was made clear that only numbers, no names were needed, the Senate was told the information is confidential.

“The psycho-education programme is paid for by taxpayers. Therefore, how is it that millions of taxpayer dollars are spent annually to ensure the wellbeing of our children sent to overseas programmes and yet when questions are raised, we are in effect told that it is none of our business?

“Shouldn’t the public know how the money is spent and be assured that it is fully benefiting the children, all while maintaining confidentiality for all concerned?”

Ms Tucker gave Ms Simmons “credit” for answering some questions, but said that others went unanswered.

These included:

• What happened to the children who did not successfully complete reunification plans between 2015 and 2020 after returning from the overseas psycho-education programme? Did they go to foster care, on the streets, in prison or worse?

• What services does DCFS provide to children who did not successfully complete reunification plans and do not reintegrate into their families once they return to Bermuda?

• Were any complaints raised by the children living there, or their guardians related to mistreatment by any overseas facility staff either before, during or after DCFS conducted welfare checks between 2019 and 2022? A yes or no answer was requested.

Ms Tucker said: “Over the years, there has been considerable secrecy around the psycho-education programme’s operations and its outcomes. There have been success stories but also tragedies, so shouldn’t there be an expectation of a level of transparency by DCFS that gives the public assurance that there is adequate accountability?

“Getting answers to questions is one way that helps accomplish that. Using confidentiality as an excuse not to answer questions is simply unacceptable.”

The Government has been asked for a response.