Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I was disappointed that Second Stage of the Child and Family Agency Bill concluded yesterday evening. It was not what had been intended in the Dáil schedule. Other speakers had expected to be able to continue to make Second Stage statements on the resumption. It is regrettable and most unfortunate that because of the collapse of an earlier piece of legislation, bringing forward the Second Stage of the Child and Family Agency Bill to begin long before its scheduled time, other Deputies were unprepared to take up the opportunities yesterday. Due to other responsibilities, I was not able to attend to hear the Minister's closing remarks over a very truncated opportunity of approximately three minutes at the conclusion just before 7.30 p.m. It is an unfortunate start to the process of the legislation. My remarks stand. I welcome the Bill and will fully support its safe passage through the Houses. I hope the Minister would note those comments. It is not indicative of any lack of interest in the part of Members that it concluded as it did.

In a response to a parliamentary question of mine on 4 July, the Minister said, "Only 16 of the certified 24 male bed spaces in Trinity House School are currently available for use due to staffing issues." This is a major issue and has been repeatedly highlighted in successive court hearings by well-respected judges. It is an indictment of the political system that we do not use the full potential of what is already in situ. Why is one third of the capacity of Trinity House school unused? I would like to know the exact details of the so-called staffing issues. Let us understand it, because it is vexatious.

The annual report of Ombudsman for Children painted a very negative picture of the situation in Oberstown. The Minister must be aware that the staff working there also paint a very negative picture. The situation is far from ideal. Is there any measure of the impact of all this on the children detained in Oberstown and Trinity House School? Yesterday the Ombudsman for Children suggested there was a possible need for the upskilling of staff in certain areas. I was not able to attend, being in the Chamber with the Minister. That is a very serious reflection on the situation. If staff at Oberstown are not properly trained for their responsibilities, there is a major problem that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. I do not want to come back in the autumn and have to ask about this. It must be acted on immediately because of all that is involved. What are the Minister's plans to ensure upskilling of staff, if it is a requirement as identified? What is happening regarding that and when will it take place?

Will the Minister comment on the level of sick leave? This is a serious matter and is symptomatic of something not being right in Oberstown. Are there increasing assaults of staff resulting in sick leave and stress-related leave? That is what I am being told. This situation poses a major question. Have we adequate staffing? Are the skills bases in place? Why do we have an inordinate level of sick leave, due in the main to stress and assaults? It is a very serious problem. When will the Minister publish the McElfatrick report? Can the members of this committee, spokespersons on children, have access to it? Why have we not got it already and will the Minister ensure we do? It is critically important. Can the Minister give assurances that the capital project at Oberstown will be delivered on time and in budget?

I welcome the fact that I got my question on violence against children in the home to the Minister because every effort was made to prevent its being put to her, as I explained to her some time ago. I would like the system to be a bit more reflective of the fact that children's needs, which may cross a number of portfolios, are nonetheless of concern to the Minister - I respect her for that - and to me as a spokesperson on health and children. There is little information on the measures being taken to address the fact that there is a 55% increase in violence against children in homes where there is violence against another adult present. Women's Aid has highlighted this and it must be properly addressed. Is there any analysis of the root causes of this? What is the HSE's assessment of this situation and what measures is it taking to address it?

On the comprehensive preschool equality agenda, can the Minister clarify the position on the future need for preschool and crèche services to meet the national quality standards as outlined in Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education? What are the practical implications for preschools and crèches in that regard? Will the Minister ensure all preschools are inspected? Will such facilities have a right of appeal in all circumstances?