Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Resources are always an issue. Even in the best of times one has to decide where to spend them. It is a question of how to prioritise them. This is a unique opportunity for the protection and welfare of children. Unfortunately, even in recent months, we have seen high profile cases where name and shame alone did not make people live up to their obligations in terms of child welfare and protection. I acknowledge that the Minister says he will consider this again in the future but how many children could be affected at some time in the future if this does not work? Robust legislation needs a deterrent value. It needs sanctions.

Who will inspect the safety audit? If services are not afraid that an inspector can come in, this will not be fit for purpose. With the best will in the world we will fail children if it is not fit for purpose. The Minister needs to reconsider this. I refrained from putting down amendments because I wanted to see what the Minister and the Department bring forward. I will use the opportunity on Report Stage to bring forward amendments in this regard because I believe it is not strong enough and that there should be penalties, sanctions or consequences for non-compliance with child welfare legislation, as there are for non-compliance with the Revenue Commissioners, or company law.