Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Leaving aside the monetary aspect and focusing on the human side, the creation of Dr. Lynch's stand-alone Department was a very significant step and a bold statement in putting the rights of children of all ages first at the Cabinet table. Dr. Lynch says the scheme is demand-led and that he is working on previous years' figures. He said that, at best, there was stagnation in demand for the services, but there has been an increase in some areas. What dangers are vulnerable children facing in these cases? Is the Department playing a proactive role in trying to bring down and eliminate the numbers presenting each year and, if so, how?