Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I accept that. The agency is relevant to the issues that we are discussing, a pointed made by Ms Logan. I wanted to put on the record that the other meeting has led to today's smaller than normal attendance at our meeting on this important issue.

I compliment Ms Logan on her role. She has addressed numerous issues. Our paths have crossed many times on various issues. I commend her and her office formally on that work.

From the evidence she has supplied, it is clear that we have gone beyond a cry for help for the reform of Oberstown's operations and structures. There are industrial relations challenges but a part of the problem is the institution's archaic management structure. The committee must unanimously agree to write to the Minister, or express to her tomorrow, that we believe that a single campus director needs to be appointed as soon as possible. That person should be able to help address some of the challenges.

The children at Oberstown have been failed by the system several times. In many cases, they have been failed since birth. We have limited financial resources but Ms Logan pointed out that it is not always a question of money. The Foróige big brother and big sister initiative has proven successful for a relatively small amount of money. Young people are diverted from a bad route either at or even before their first contact with judicial authorities.

Ms Logan made an important point, that being, many of the children in question have no family structure. They have no one look up to. The great aspect of the big brother and big sister initiative is that it fills that space. The amount of money is peanuts. I do not know whether Ms Logan wants to comment, but I will ask the question anyway.

Does Ms Logan believe it is a mistake that the Department is not prepared to fund that programme going forward and that it will finish at the end of the year? Does she believe it is detrimental in regard to improving the outcomes of many of these children who end up in difficult situations and who could end up going into the Oberstown system in the future?