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

I will be brief because I want to allow Deputies Rabbitte, Mitchell and Chambers to comment.

On communication, it is important that we have started the discussion on the other aspect of our meeting today. As touched on by Deputy Funchion and referenced by Mr. Gloster in his opening statement, one of the key questions is the two-way process of communication. It is of critical importance to parents so that they have the peace of mind to know that if there are ongoing investigations, and ones that they might be aware of for whatever reason and not specific to "Prime Time", there is a communication flow and there is confidence that the system is there to support them and their child.

Mr. Lee mentioned that the current regulations exclude individuals where there are prosecutions. In his professional opinion, is there wriggle room in that? Are the regulations sufficiently robust? Where are we with the legislative changes that have been alluded to? Is Tusla in discussions with the Department?

On the first day back from the summer recess I asked a question on promised legislation, specifically whether the suite of legislation that supports Tusla in its day-to-day duties is sufficient to cater for issues that have been highlighted either through "Prime Time" or indeed other issues that have arisen, and whether we are any closer to determining precisely whether legislative changes are required. I did receive a response from the Department quite promptly. I was quite impressed with how promptly that occurred, but we are now two months on and I have inquired and have not seen anything come back yet.

That is my only intervention. Apologies to Deputy Rabbitte, who is looking at me, but I would not wish to let this meeting go by without raising that important point that both witnesses have referenced. Perhaps Mr. Lee and Mr. Gloster will respond first and then Deputy Rabbitte can start her contribution.