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

At the outset and I will not go back there again, I would not like anyone to take up from the Minister's reply that it was the staff at Rath na nÓg who made the decision to lock up from 9 p.m. to 7.30 a.m. They were acting under instruction from the national office. I do not believe that the professionals would have viewed it as in any way enhancing the critical approach they would have to their job which is about building relationships. One does not build relationships with people one locks up at night. I believe the word "consistency" is very important. There are ample examples of where inconsistency has caused serious concerns. I have no doubt in my mind that if the Minister, for whom I have the highest regard, was sitting where Deputy Troy and I are sitting today and dealing with this Bill presented by another face that she would argue for the inclusion of the word "consistency" for all the right reasons. This is in the section dealing with the functions of the agency. We have not moved on yet to the best interests of the child. Consistency in relation to the functions of the agency needs to be explicitly reflected and it is not. It is not good enough, and I do not think it wears to suggest it is understood or is implicit in this or whatever is the case. I think we should be explicit and definite. Consistency and the highest standards are what we expect and will insist upon in respect of the functions of the agency once established. I believe this is a very important amendment. Placing the word "consistency" here is giving out the right message. I expect Deputy Troy would be of the same view that this is an amendment we would consider pressing. It is of that importance. I have no doubt that if the tables were reversed that the Minister would take exactly that position and I would commend her on it.