James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not interrupt Deputy Robert Troy. The bottom line is that there has been a budget increase as we have restored the economy through the hard work and sacrifice of the Irish people and we know people want to see services restored and improved as befits a just society and a just republic. That is what we intend to do but we must be realistic in the moneys available to us. I welcome the increase in the budget after so many years of cuts.
Cyberbullying was mentioned and the Government is very much aware of it and concerned about it. We have been engaged with the issue in a cross departmental fashion. An Internet content governance advisory committee is developing an implementation plan. My Department is involved in it. It will require the interaction of the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and my Department. My officials have offered to meet representatives from ask.fmto brief them on child protection issues. We take the matter very seriously and I take the opportunity to express my sympathy with any of the families that lost teenagers as a consequence of this shocking situation and the habit that has been encouraged by some sites.
Members referred to the early years strategy, the strategic plan for the sector and the cost of child care. The cost of child care will be covered by Mary McLoughlin. The Department spends over €240 million supporting child care. There were increases in children's allowance in the budget.