Ms Norah Gibbons:

We have good laws on not serving children and young people. In my view, children are more abused by alcohol than they are abusers of alcohol. As a country we have had various discussions about whether we will continue alcohol sponsorship for sports, advertising of alcohol near schools and things like that. In my view that is not helpful, and it is not helpful for us to portray alcohol to young people as something they have to consume. I hope that our emphasis on being healthier and taking part in exercise will be more helpful to young people. Advertising conveys strong messages to young people. If one sees all of one's idols taking part in something, it is likely one would think that is the thing to do.

Public health nurses have a very strong role to play in families. The new agency is building strong foundations and is already working with HSE on how all parts of the HSE, not just public health nurses, will still be in place for children and families and how they will interact.

I understand negotiations are at an advanced stage with regard to the project planning to which I referred. Not all of that has been worked out, and I understand Deputy Doherty's comments. We have to take particular care that we do not lose the expertise of public health nurses for children, particularly those involved at an early stage with families, and the role they play in keeping children safe, together with the rest of us.

Part of the information to which I referred in my opening statement was that Children First would be put on a statutory basis. Locally, it is really important that when care pathways are being worked out for referrals, more and more of which are coming in, we are able to get welfare services in to support children where there is not a level of concern that would lead to child protection issues.

I understand from the CEO designate that a plan is underway for after-hours services and there will be a report in the autumn. It is hoped to roll out an after-hours service on a national basis, starting in urban areas. Particular issues arise in rural provision.

That is not to say there are no problems in our rural society, as we all know well. I agree that problems do not only arise between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., but we have a plan to do this, which we did not have previously. The encouraging aspect for me is that many suggestions that were not taken on board are now being taken on board and the plans are in place to advance them. It will not happen all at once, despite my impatience, and I must remember that.

I think those were all the notes I made. If I have missed anything, please advise me.