Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is critical. One of the concerns I have in my capacity when I come across issues, as I do fairly regularly, unfortunately, is how long it takes for the investigation and the fact that there is no communication stream. It is not the fault of Tusla, which does its job when it gets sufficient evidence and presents it. It is totally understandable. In the intervening period, it is often the case that the victim or concerned individual sees nothing and does not hear anything. The person may ring the Garda but it does not know anything about it and it cannot take action because there is not sufficient evidence. The problem arises in terms of public confidence in the way in which the system is structured. The witnesses have clearly identified and, I hope, would provide us with additional information that would be very helpful for us in fulfilling our responsibilities in this equation.

At the same time, I can think of something of which we are all perfectly aware in this committee and which we have been dealing with for quite some time. I will not speak about specific instances but there are cases in the public domain. Yesterday's interview of a solicitor representing alleged victims of child sex abuse implied that some of these issues were recent, but as far as I am aware, no agency is aware of any recent activity. That is very problematic, primarily because of Children First, Tusla's role in the equation and the role of An Garda Síochána. I am very concerned in hearing things like that being said. When this is condensed, it leads to the assumption that there may be an active individual in a national organisation. I do not believe there is, but there could be. The idea that there could be is of massive concern to me and, no doubt, to others. I am sure it is a matter that somebody in Tusla has considered. Is it possible for us to plug that gap and do so promptly? Does the organisation have the personnel to do it? As we have outlined, Tusla does not have the legislative backing. In the years since the Children First provisions came about, how many times has this been highlighted to the Department or the HSE, for example?