Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Some years ago I had to complain about the treatment of a child I was teaching. I never felt the issue was resolved satisfactorily because it was to do with neglect at home. The child was severely physically disabled and was not able to look after himself in the way a normal 13-year old or 14-year old would. In a way I regretted ever making the complaint, except that I was obliged to do so because I felt the only result was that the boy got it in the neck from one of his carers.

Do the witnesses have a role in protecting children who are in hostels for people awaiting citizenship applications? I am concerned about children living in such situations for prolonged periods. Can anything be done to check that children in those situations are being properly looked after and are not subject to abuse of any kind?