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

The reality here is that we have much greater clarity; we have a Department devoted to children; we have had a children's referendum; and we have enshrined in the Constitution the rights of children and, into the future, we will honour our children who are our citizens. They are entitled to a present as well as a future, which is our future, a shared future.

I find it extraordinary that the Deputy talks about the issue of legal services when it was his party in government that presided over all this. We are endeavouring to ensure this is addressed but these matters take time, as we all know. When it comes to law, there will always be challenges. There is always difficulty in changing the status quobut we are determined to do that. My Department and Tusla are actively engaged and energised about this issue.

I agree with Deputy Byrne and I thank her for her comments. It is not just about money. It is also about ethos and attitude. From my experience as a GP who visited St. Ita's Hospital for over 20 years, while the building was nothing to be particularly proud of, with the paint peeling, large rooms and Victorian conditions, the care and ethos were without question. When some of these patients moved to the palatial surroundings of Leas Cross, it was the care that let them down.

I thank the people who work in our services, in particular in Tusla and the social workers who do such sterling work. We will continue to support them as best we can. Today's discussion is on the Supplementary Estimate to help support them and help protect our children in order that as we grow older, these young, up and coming citizens will have the values and opportunities we want them to have so we can all share a better future. That is what today is about.