Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I am not saying that to cast any aspersions. I am just saying there are opportunities to introduce a better model going forward.

The overspend is in relation to the present guardian ad litem model. The work done by the guardian ad litem is so important. It is important the child's voice and needs are heard in court and in every sphere I have worked in. In education, it is so important the child's voice is heard and we now have within the Department of education a special unit dedicated to ensuring all policies are child proofed. All policy across government should give children and young people the opportunity to engage in it. That is run from my Department and I am very proud, though it was prior to me, that facility is being afforded to all Government and State agencies. There can be a coming together of youth advisory panels, Comhairle na nÓg and so on. They are all getting the opportunities for the voice and vision of children to be heard.