Ms Nuala Ward:

We are very much looking forward to this meeting with the local authorities.

We met representatives of various NGOs a couple of weeks ago because they are obviously also critical stakeholders. Since we published the report, some local authorities have reached out to the office and asked if this could relate to them, what they could do differently and what our thoughts are on this. It is really welcome that some of the local authorities have taken time to reflect. It has been very powerful in fairness to the children who came forward. The voices of the children seemed to have resonated with all the adults who have decision-making and policy-making powers. We very much welcome that and we will reach out to them to see what more we can do.

Hopefully the webinar will involve an open discussion. We will share our findings and what those in the local authority told us. As Dr. Muldoon mentioned, the CEO of this local authority has formally stated that he will take accountability for the implementation of the recommendations arising from our investigation and that is to be respected. We very much hope that will be a leadership model that other CEOs throughout the country might consider because it is about the best interests of the children who are living in such deplorable conditions.