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

I thank members for their questions. I will take the opportunity to echo what several of them have said, that is, to thank my young Department - why would it not be young, looking after youth affairs and children - for all of its work. Its personnel have met many challenges, but there are more to be faced. We have worked well together with the agency, the youth sector and the voluntary bodies. If we continue doing that, we can achieve much greater things for our children and make Ireland a better place in which to grow up.

I should also mention the previous Ministers. The current Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, did a great deal of work to set up the agency and the Department and get the children's referendum through. The stay of the current Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, was short but none the less of high quality. It is Christmas and the season of goodwill, but I genuinely thank the committee. Everyone present has been committed and constructive in his or her contribution.