Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator very much. We are committed to implementing each of the recommendations and the NTACC is responding to me on each of the them. I attend every second meeting of the committee, which is driving the reforms. It has held about five meetings already this year. Its independent chair has a strong track record in this area. We met representatives of the Ombudsman for Children's Office. I travelled to the site in Cork and I was in and out of every bay and trailer. I am working hard to try to resolve this issue with the community there and I am gaining their trust, which is important.

I would appreciate if we all tried to work together, including the committee, and be positive in assisting me in trying to resolve the huge issues we have. No one is trying to hide this. That is why I am making this role more transparent. I will be able to have very clear data by which Deputy Ó Broin and other members of the committee can judge my performance. There will no ambiguity. That is so important. As I said, that is the case with the budget this year and the other initiatives we have taken. I am absolutely committed to this role. I have not yet been in it a year, as far as my responsibility is concerned. I will not have anyone question my energy and commitment because those are there in abundance. I am only one person but I can do my very best on it.