Dr. Geoffrey Shannon:

Information is power. The proposal would enrich our understanding. As part of the PULSE chapter I attempted to provide very detailed data. We now have data, which is why I was slightly at a loss to understand why there was a recommendation on having to gather data on the demand for a national out of hours service. I have an entire chapter detailing forensically the circumstances in which section 12 was invoked from 2008 to 2015. This could be updated to look at 2016. It is unlikely there will be a significant change over that longer period relative to the shorter period of time. I support having this type of information in the public domain and that it is regularly available.

Deputy Rabbitte has prompted me to make a further observation. It would be helpful if the implementation plan from the perspective of an Garda Síochána would be shared with this committee. This is the committee for issues relating to children. I commend Detective Superintendent Declan Daly and Detective Inspector Michael Lynch, who are the two key lead people. I found them very receptive to suggestions. Continuing to feed the information gives us an accurate picture.

To come back to Deputy Funchion's question, it is not mystification. Something that has remained with me since the audit is that rank and file members of An Garda Síochána are unsure as to what happened the case. They are deeply invested. The nation should be particularly proud of some of the junior rank and file members of An Garda Síochána. I was hugely struck by the sheer commitment of young gardaí. I remember one case where a member of An Garda Síochána exercised section 12 powers on a Friday. She said she thought of nothing else over the weekend only whether she had taken the right decision. While I have criticised Garda training and the PULSE system, the State is well served by front-line social workers and front-line gardaí. What we need to do now is create the proper framework for our child protection system to operate.